1795 Flowing Hair Half Dime. LM-8. Rarity-3. MS-63 (PCGS).This bright and satiny example is brilliant apart from blushes of iridescent reddish-apricot around the peripheries. The strike is well centered on the planchet with boldly and uniformly denticulated borders around both sides. Concentrations of adjustment marks over Libertys cheek and throughout the hair are as made, and they explain the softness of detail in those areas as well as on the reverse at the eagles wings and breast. Peripheral definition is appreciably sharper, the in hand appearance uncommonly smooth for both the type and the assigned grade.<p>Half dimes were the first denomination struck by the United States Mint. After the "small beginning" of 1792, the next issue of half dimes came a couple of years later with the Flowing Hair type designed by Robert Scot. While the dies for the 1794 half dimes were ready by years end, they were not put into service until 1795. All told, 86,416 Flowing Hair half dimes were struck, of which 78,660 were dated 1795. In 1796, the obverse was replaced with the Draped Bust, resulting in a brief tenure for the design. The Logan-McCloskey 8 die pairing is among the more frequently encountered in numismatic circles but, while a number of Mint State examples are known, high grade survivors such as this rare from a market availability standpoint.<p>With Libertys distinctive flowing hair and the delicate small eagle on the reverse, this design type has long been a favorite among devotees of early American coins. Demand among type collectors has remained steady over the years and has put pressure on the more available 1795-dated pieces. The denomination saw heavy use in commerce and the vast majority of specimens are found in lower circulated grade levels, and many of these are damaged or otherwise impaired. This little numismatic jewel will be a highlight in a top-tier die variety or type collection.
