1794 50C Flowing Hair Half Dollar PCGS VF35

1794 50C Flowing Hair Half Dollar — PCGS VF35 (Philadelphia) A foundational rarity of early United States coinage, this first-year Flowing Hair Half Dollar represents the debut of the Half Dollar denomination in federal circulation. Struck in Philadelphia with a reported mintage of just 23,464 pieces—less than a tenth of the following year—this scarce 18th‑century issue saw limited public use in its day and even fewer survivors today, especially in appealing collectible grades. Graded PCGS VF35, this example offers strong, even wear with clear design definition: Liberty’s portrait retains distinct hair strands and facial outline, while the Small Eagle reverse shows well‑shaped wings and shield lines. The coin exhibits the classic, honest circulation look prized by specialists—medium silver‑gray to pewter toning with lighter highlights on the high points and darker accents in protected areas—an attractive, original appearance for a coin of the 1790s. Historical and collector significance: First year of the Half Dollar denomination; no half-dollar patterns were produced in 1792 despite the denomination being part of the early federal coinage plan. Flowing Hair design by Robert Scot with Small Eagle reverse and lettered edge—an iconic, short‑lived type (1794–1795) central to any early Federal type set. Survivors in XF and above are notably scarce; many known examples are impaired or low grade. Elite pieces are extraordinarily rare—benchmark examples include the PCGS MS64 D. Brent Pogue coin that realized $763,750 in 2015, underscoring the issue’s desirability at the highest levels. Rarity and census: PCGS Population: 27 in VF35; only 31 graded higher at PCGS. Reported mintage: 23,464. Why this coin: First‑year, 18th‑century Half Dollar with attractive eye appeal and strong detail for the grade. Ideal for advanced early‑type collectors, date specialists, and investors seeking a blue‑chip representative of America’s formative coinage era. Key details: Date/Denomination: 1794 Flowing Hair Half Dollar (50C) Mint: Philadelphia Grade: PCGS VF35 Designer: Robert Scot Composition: 89.24% silver, 10.76% copper Weight/Diameter: ~13.48 g; ~32.5–33 mm Edge: Lettered (FIFTY CENTS OR HALF A DOLLAR) A rare opportunity to secure a legitimately scarce, first‑year Flowing Hair Half Dollar with certified, mid‑circulated eye appeal—an essential cornerstone for any serious early U.S. collection.