Flowing Hair Half Dollar 1794—1795

The Flowing Hair Half Dollar is a historic coin that was minted in the United States in the late 18th century. It holds a significant place in American numismatic history as one of the first official silver coins issued by the newly formed federal government.

The Coinage Act of 1792 established the United States Mint and authorized the production of several denominations of coins, including the half dollar. The design for the Flowing Hair Half Dollar was created by Robert Scot, the first chief engraver of the U.S. Mint.

The Flowing Hair Half Dollar features a portrait of Lady Liberty on the obverse (front) side. The design depicts Liberty with flowing hair, facing right, and surrounded by the inscription "LIBERTY" and the year of mintage. The reverse (back) side of the coin showcases a small eagle encircled by a wreath, with the words "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" and the denomination "50 C." (for 50 cents) inscribed around the edge.

The Flowing Hair Half Dollar was minted for only two years, from 1794 to 1795. During this period, a total of approximately 390,000 coins were struck, with most of them produced in 1794. The mintage numbers are relatively low compared to later half dollar issues, making Flowing Hair Half Dollars quite rare and highly sought after by collectors.

The Flowing Hair Half Dollar holds great historical significance as one of the earliest U.S. coins ever minted. It was produced during the formative years of the United States, a time when the young nation was establishing its monetary system and asserting its independence. The coin represents a tangible link to the country's early history and the aspirations of its founders.

Due to their rarity and historical importance, Flowing Hair Half Dollars are highly prized by coin collectors and numismatists. The value of these coins varies depending on factors such as their condition, rarity, and demand in the market. Well-preserved specimens in excellent condition can command significant prices at auctions and among coin dealers.

It's worth noting that the Flowing Hair Half Dollar was replaced by the Draped Bust design in 1796. The Draped Bust Half Dollar featured a new design on both the obverse and reverse sides. However, the Flowing Hair Half Dollar remains an enduring symbol of the early years of American coinage and a fascinating piece of numismatic history.

 

Key Dates

1794: The 1794 Flowing Hair Half Dollar is the inaugural year of this series and is considered the key date. It has the lowest mintage of the series, with approximately 23,464 coins produced. The 1794 half dollar is highly sought after by collectors and commands a significant premium due to its rarity and historical significance.

1795: While all Flowing Hair Half Dollars from 1795 are relatively scarce compared to other series, there are a couple of notable varieties within this year that are considered key dates:

   a. 1795 Centered Obverse: The Centered Obverse variety of the 1795 Flowing Hair Half Dollar is distinguished by the placement of Liberty's bust closer to the center of the coin. It is scarcer than the 1795 Off-Center Obverse variety.

   b. 1795 Off-Center Obverse: The Off-Center Obverse variety of the 1795 Flowing Hair Half Dollar features Liberty's bust positioned slightly off-center toward the right side of the coin. This variety is scarcer than the Centered Obverse variety.

 

Capped Bust Half Dime 1829—1837

The Capped Bust Half Dime is a historical coin that was minted by the United States from 1829 to 1837. It is a small silver coin with a denomination of half a dime, which was equal to five cents.

The Capped Bust Half Dime was designed by William Kneass, who was the Chief Engraver of the United States Mint at the time. The obverse (front) of the coin features the profile of Liberty facing to the left, wearing a Phrygian cap, which was a symbol of freedom. The word "LIBERTY" is inscribed above her head, and the year of mintage is placed below her neck. The reverse (back) of the coin depicts a wreath surrounding the denomination "5 C." The words "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" encircle the wreath.

There were several different varieties of the Capped Bust Half Dime produced during its mintage. The first variety, known as the "Small 5 C," was minted from 1829 to 1830 and featured a smaller "5 C" inscription on the reverse. The second variety, called the "Large 5 C," was minted from 1831 to 1837 and had a larger "5 C" on the reverse.

The Capped Bust Half Dime was the last half dime design before the introduction of the Seated Liberty design in 1837. During its circulation, the coin was primarily used in everyday transactions, although its small size and low value made it less commonly encountered than larger denominations.

Due to its limited mintage period and historical significance, the Capped Bust Half Dime is a popular choice among coin collectors. However, it is important to note that these coins are relatively scarce, especially in higher grades. The value of a Capped Bust Half Dime depends on various factors such as its condition, rarity, and demand among collectors.

In conclusion, the Capped Bust Half Dime is a small silver coin minted by the United States from 1829 to 1837. It features a distinctive design by William Kneass and comes in different varieties. Today, it is sought after by coin collectors for its historical significance and rarity.

 

Key Dates

1829: The first year of mintage for the Capped Bust Half Dime. It is an important date for collectors as it marks the beginning of the series.

1830: This year saw relatively low mintage numbers, making it a desirable date for collectors.

1835: The mintage for this year was significantly lower compared to other years, making it one of the scarcer dates for the Capped Bust Half Dime.

1836: Similar to 1835, the mintage for this year was relatively low, increasing its collectability.

1837: The final year of mintage for the Capped Bust Half Dime. It is significant as it marks the end of the series and the transition to the Seated Liberty design.

Liberty Seated Coins

Liberty Seated coins are a series of United States coins that were issued from 1836 to 1891. The design features the figure of Liberty seated on a rock or perch, holding a pole with a Liberty cap on top. The design was created by Christian Gobrecht, who was the Chief Engraver of the United States Mint at the time.

The Liberty Seated coin series includes various denominations, such as:

1. Liberty Seated Half Dime [More Info]

2. Liberty Seated Dime [More Info]

3. Liberty Seated Quarter [More Info]

4. Liberty Seated Half Dollar [More Info]

5. Liberty Seated Dollar [More Info]

These coins were minted at various U.S. Mint locations, including Philadelphia, New Orleans, San Francisco, and Carson City.

Over the years, the Liberty Seated coins underwent some design modifications and minting techniques, leading to different varieties and rare specimens sought after by collectors.

As with any coin series, the value of Liberty Seated coins depends on factors like condition, rarity, and demand from collectors. If you are interested in collecting or learning more about these coins, I would recommend consulting numismatic references or reaching out to experienced coin collectors and dealers.

Liberty Seated Half Dollar 1839—1891

The Liberty Seated Half Dollar is a coin that was issued by the United States Mint from 1839 to 1891. It features the image of Liberty seated on a rock on the obverse (front) and an eagle on the reverse (back). The design was created by Christian Gobrecht, who was the third Chief Engraver of the United States Mint.

The Liberty Seated Half Dollar went through several design modifications and variations during its production years. Here's a brief overview of its history:

Introduction of the Design (1839): The Liberty Seated Half Dollar was first introduced in 1839, replacing the Capped Bust design that had been in use since 1807. The initial design featured a seated Liberty holding a shield with a liberty cap on a pole.

No Drapery (1839-1842): The first version of the design, known as "No Drapery," was produced from 1839 to 1842. Liberty was depicted seated without any drapery on her lower arm.

With Drapery (1842-1853): In 1842, the design was modified to include drapery hanging from Liberty's elbow, giving it a more realistic appearance. This version is known as the "With Drapery" type and was minted from 1842 to 1853.

Arrows at Date (1853-1855): In 1853, the Mint added arrows on both sides of the date to indicate a reduction in weight due to changes in the coin's silver content. This alteration was made to address the rising price of silver bullion. The arrows were removed in 1856.

Legend on the Obverse (1866-1873): From 1866 to 1873, the coin underwent another modification with the addition of the national motto "IN GOD WE TRUST" above the image of Liberty on the obverse.

Motto on Reverse (1866-1891): In 1866, the reverse of the coin was also modified to include the inscription "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" above the eagle. Prior to this change, the reverse had only featured the eagle without any inscriptions.

Changes in Composition (1853-1873): During this period, the composition of the coin changed from the original 90% silver and 10% copper to 90% silver and 10% copper with a slight reduction in weight.

 

Key Dates

1839-O: The 1839-O (New Orleans) is the first year of issue for the Liberty Seated Half Dollar series and is highly sought after by collectors. It has a relatively low mintage and is quite rare.

1842-O Small Date: The 1842-O (New Orleans) Small Date variety is a scarce issue within the series. The Small Date variety is distinguished by a smaller-sized date compared to the more common Large Date variety.

1853-O No Arrows: In 1853, the Mint added arrows to the design to denote a weight reduction. However, a small number of Liberty Seated Half Dollars were struck at the New Orleans Mint without arrows, making them highly valuable and rare.

1854-S: The 1854-S (San Francisco) is a key date in the series due to its low mintage. It is one of the scarcest Liberty Seated Half Dollars, and examples in higher grades are particularly sought after.

1856-S: The 1856-S (San Francisco) is another low-mintage issue that is highly sought after. It is considered one of the key dates in the series.

1870-CC: The 1870-CC (Carson City) is an incredibly rare and valuable Liberty Seated Half Dollar. It has a very low mintage and is one of the most sought-after coins in the series.

1878-S: The 1878-S (San Francisco) is a key date due to its lower mintage compared to other years in the series. It is highly desired by collectors.

Braided Hair Half Cent 1840—1857

The Braided Hair Half Cent refers to a series of coins that were minted by the United States from 1840 to 1857. These small copper coins had a face value of half a cent, or 1/200th of a U.S. dollar.

The Braided Hair Half Cent features an obverse design known as the "Braided Hair" because it depicts the profile of Lady Liberty with her hair intricately braided and coiled. The words "Liberty" and the date of minting are inscribed on the obverse as well.

On the reverse side of the coin, you will find the denomination "Half Cent" within a wreath made of tobacco leaves. The wreath is tied together by a bow at the bottom, and the words "United States of America" encircle the design.

These coins were minted at the Philadelphia Mint and do not carry a mint mark. They were designed by Christian Gobrecht, who also designed other coins for the United States Mint during that period.

The Braided Hair Half Cent series was the last to be produced before the denomination was discontinued. The Half Cent was no longer popular due to its low purchasing power and increasing production costs. As a result, it was eventually phased out and replaced by the larger copper-nickel Flying Eagle cent in 1857.

Today, Braided Hair Half Cents are considered collectible items and can be found in various conditions. The value of a Braided Hair Half Cent depends on its rarity, condition, and demand among collectors. If you are looking to purchase or sell one, it's recommended to consult with a professional numismatist or coin dealer who can provide you with an accurate valuation based on current market conditions.

 

Key Dates

The Braided Hair Half Cent series includes several key dates that are particularly sought after by collectors due to their rarity and historical significance. Here are some of the key dates in the series:

1840: The first year of the Braided Hair Half Cent series is often considered a key date. The 1840 half cent has a relatively low mintage and is highly sought after by collectors.

1848: This year saw a significant decrease in the production of half cents, resulting in relatively fewer coins minted. The 1848 Braided Hair Half Cent is considered scarce and is in demand among collectors.

1851: The 1851 half cent is another key date in the series. It has a lower mintage compared to some other years, and finding one in good condition can be a challenge.

1856: The 1856 Braided Hair Half Cent is notable because it was the last year of regular production for the series. This final year issue tends to attract interest from collectors.

These key dates represent some of the scarcer and more sought-after coins in the Braided Hair Half Cent series. As with any collectible item, the value of these coins can vary based on factors such as condition, rarity, and demand in the market. It's always recommended to consult with a reputable coin dealer or numismatist for a professional appraisal and to get an accurate assessment of their value.

International Numismatic Bureau

I enjoy ordering the occasional "grab-bag" or groups of coins because I like occasional surprise. When I find a fair and honest seller, I will buy from them again, but you have to kiss a lot of frogs to find them. 

Not Impressed

One seller on eBay calls themselves "real-auctions" offering coins in holders (or 'slabs') with labels from "International Numismatic Bureau".

My guess is that whoever is running this buys a bunch of coins an encases them with their green labels regardless of the quality or value collectors would place on the coin.

None of the coin are graded. 10% of what was sent are ungradable as NONE of the buffalo nickels had dates! Many of the coin, heck the holder is more valuable. Nickels that said "Brilliant Uncirculated" were anything but as the first thing a collector looks at are the steps on Monticello. 

Here is a breakdown of the coins I received:

Liberty Seated Half Dime 1837—1873

The Liberty Seated Half Dime is a historical American coin that was produced from 1837 to 1873. It is part of the larger Liberty Seated coinage series, which includes various denominations like the dime, quarter, half dollar, and silver dollar. The design of the Liberty Seated Half Dime went through several modifications over the years.

The Liberty Seated design was created by Christian Gobrecht, who was the Chief Engraver at the United States Mint during that time. The obverse (front) of the coin features a seated figure of Liberty, inspired by the ancient Greek figure of Freedom. Liberty is depicted holding a shield with her right hand and a liberty pole with a Phrygian cap on top in her left hand. The shield represents defensive power, and the cap symbolizes freedom and liberty. The words "LIBERTY" appear above Liberty, and the date is positioned below.

The reverse (back) of the coin underwent several changes during its production. From 1837 to 1838, the reverse featured a wreath surrounding the denomination "HALF DIME." Later, from 1838 to 1859, the reverse design was modified to include the words "HALF DIME" within a laurel wreath. In 1860, the wreath was replaced by a simple oak wreath. Finally, from 1860 to 1873, the reverse displayed a small eagle with outstretched wings, clutching arrows and an olive branch, surrounded by a laurel wreath, and the words "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA."

The Liberty Seated Half Dime went through a few notable changes during its production. In 1853, the weight of the coin was reduced slightly to 1.24 grams, and the diameter was increased to 15.9 millimeters. This change was implemented to combat widespread hoarding and melting of the coins due to their intrinsic value exceeding their face value.

In 1866, the motto "IN GOD WE TRUST" was added to the reverse of the coin above the eagle. This addition was part of a broader initiative to include the motto on various U.S. coins as a reflection of the religious sentiments prevalent during the Civil War era.

The Liberty Seated Half Dime series came to an end in 1873 when it was replaced by the Shield Nickel. The decision to discontinue the coin was mainly driven by the rising silver prices, which made it uneconomical to produce. Additionally, the introduction of the nickel five-cent coin provided a more practical and cost-effective alternative.

Today, Liberty Seated Half Dimes are highly collectible among numismatists and coin enthusiasts. The series offers a glimpse into American history and the development of coinage during the mid-19th century.

 

Key Dates

1838-O: This is considered one of the key dates of the series. It refers to the 1838 half dimes struck at the New Orleans Mint. The New Orleans Mint only produced half dimes in 1838, and they are highly sought after by collectors.

1853-O: Another important date is the 1853-O half dime. This coin was struck at the New Orleans Mint and is notable for being an extremely rare and valuable issue. It is highly sought after by collectors.

1855: The 1855 half dime is considered a key date due to its low mintage and scarcity. It is a challenging coin to find in higher grades, making it highly desirable among collectors.

1859-S: The 1859-S half dime, struck at the San Francisco Mint, is another key date in the series. It has a low mintage and is difficult to find in higher grades.

1863: The 1863 half dime is notable for its rarity and historical significance. During the Civil War, silver coinage became scarce due to hoarding and melting, making the 1863 half dime a valuable and sought-after coin.