Flowing Hair Half Dollars (1794–1795)
Bust half dollars, referring to all early half dollars made between 1794 and 1839, include various design types ranging from the Flowing Hair type, include the Draped Bust type, and wrap up with the Capped Bust design. Robert Scot is credited as the engraver for the Flowing Hair and Draped Bust types, while Gilbert Stuart is noted as the designer for the latter. John Reich designed the Capped Bust type.
Flowing Hair half dollars were struck in 1794 and 1795, and they represent the first type of half dollar ever struck. Both issues are exceedingly scarce, and enthusiasts recognize several varieties, particularly among the 1795 issues. Collectively, a few thousand examples survive representing either year.
NNP Encyclopedia data is provided in cooperation with Whitman Brands, based on catalog data organized by the Greysheet Identification System (GSID).