1794 Flowing Hair Half Dollar. O-108, T-6. Rarity-7. Good-4 (PCGS).This significant coin is just shy of Condition Census for the rare 1794 Overton-108 die pairing. Predominantly silver gray surfaces exhibit warmer olive-russet outlines to several peripheral devices, especially on the reverse. Unevenly worn due to the advanced die state and diagnostic obverse break, that side of the coin is devoid of detail in many peripheral areas, yet retains a well outlined portrait and suitably bold date. The reverse is sharper overall, although the eagles left wing and the adjacent areas are a bit soft. A bit glossy in texture with wispy hairlines, yet free of sizeable marks apart from a sharp edge nick at 3 oclock on the obverse and a shallow scrape through the top of the eagles right wing. The 1794 O-108 variety is rare, which fact can almost certainly be laid at the feet of the early and terminal break suffered by the obverse die. Only eight to nine coins are extant, per both Steve M. Tompkins (2015) and Stephen J. Herrman (Spring 2019). This is the Overton plate coin, ranked #7 on the listing of known examples and, thus, just shy of Condition Census standing. A highlight of the 1794 half dollars in the E. Horatio Morgan Collection, and eagerly awaiting inclusion in another specialized cabinet. Tompkins Die Stage 2/1.From the E. Horatio Morgan Collection. Ex Charleton Meyer, July 1988 to July 1992, found in a coin shop in Minden, Louisiana; Robinson S. Brown, Jr., July 1992 to July 1994. The plate coin for the variety in the third, fourth and fifth editions of the Overton reference on early half dollar die varieties.
