Flowing Hair Half Dollar (1794–1795)

Описание: The first half dollar features Liberty facing right with 15 stars, eight to the left and seven to the right. LIBERTY is placed at the top with the date at the bottom. The reverse depicts an eagle with an olive branch wreath. The legend UNITED STATES OF AMERICA is around the periphery. Denticles form the outer edge of both obverse and reverse.
The Scot design was met with much criticism. Articles commented that Liberty seemed to be wearing a “fright” wig; and the eagle appeared scrawny, which to some resembled a turkey. This criticism should not have been too much of a surprise to the Mint, as designer and Chief Engraver Scot had no experience in designing device punches for coins. Scot’s background was as a banknote plate engraver, and learning the minter’s art was done through on-the-job experience.
The coin has lettered edges that read FIFTY CENTS OR HALF DOLLAR. The Mint placed decorations between the words. Half dollars would have lettered edges until coin presses powered by steam were introduced in 1836. Interestingly, the Mint violated the law of the land when half dollars were first struck. Congress had mandated the purity of the coin to be .8924+ fine silver. The Assayer found this to be unworkable, and suggested the purity be .900 fine. The Assayer convinced the Mint Director that coins with a purity of less than .900 fine would turn black. Congress never authorized the change, but in direct violation of the law, the Mint Director decided the coins would be minted in .900 fine silver.
This coin is generally collected as a Type, but a date set is certainly an attainable goal.
Key dates: 1794; 1795-3 Leaves