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1795 Flowing Hair Half Dollar by Frank M. Zapushek

According to Al C. Overton’s 3rd edition of “Early Half Dollar Die Varieties 1794 - 1836”, only 299,680 1795 Flowing Hair Half dollars were minted. This by it self makes the coin very desirable to all early half dollar collectors.

Because of the X marked on the face of the coin featured on the cover, many collectors would not have even given this coin the time of day. But not ILNA member Fisk Gore.

Let’s take the time to examine the coin carefully. Let’s start with the reverse of the coin. When the reverse of the coin was just given a quick look, the A over E in STATES would have jumped out and bit the person examining the coin. First clue that this coin was a gem waiting to be added to someone’s collection.

This variety is even listed in the Red Book as “scarce”. To the half dollar variety collectors, this coin could be Overton 113. Overton 113 has a rarity rating of R-3 (scarce), with an estimated population of between 201 and 500 out of the 299,680 minted.

The main diagnostic points for the Overton 113 is the die break between the 5 and 15th star on the obverse and the A in STATES cut over the E. Let’s slow down and finish examining the obverse of the coin.

Looking to the left of the date, we notice that the ray of the first star pierces through the lowest curl. Another key point in the Overton 113 variety. Then to the right of the date, we see the die break between the 5 and the 15th star. Yes, another clue for this coin being the Overton 113 variety.

You have now confirmed that this coin is the Overton 113 variety. Or have you ?

Divide the coin into four sections. Start examining the coin in the upper right hand section and slow move clockwise around the coin. Close attention to details and good directional lighting are very important.

Next we notice the die gouges between stars 12, 13, 14 & 15. These are not noted as die markers for Overton Variety 113. So more careful examination of the coin is needed.

By tilting the coin in the light, we can see a die crack joining the top of LIBERTY. With the addition of these two new facts, we again turn to the Overton book to help identify the variety of this coin.

We start by looking for the two new die markers we have identified. Noticing that variety 113a had a key die marker of a die crack. We read more detailed information about variety 113a.

The die markers are listed as the same for 113 and 113a except, variety 113a had die gouges between the 12th and 15th stars. We also notice that a die crack is joining the top of LIBERTY.

We have the Overton variety 113a. This has a rarity rating of R - 4 and is listed as very scarce. Overton 113a has an estimated population of between 81 and 200 coins.

Out of the 299, 680 coins minted, this variety only has an estimated population of between 81 and 200 coins. Now this is a gem and any early half dollar collector would love to have this coin in their collection.

We would like to thank ILNA member Fisk Gore for sharing this gem with our readers.

Have a question or want to have your coin featured in the ILNA Digest, just let me know. Talk to me at a coin show, or contact: Frank M. Zapushek, PO Box 1993, Bloomington, IL 61702-1993 or email: mrz@bakercoins.net. Never a charge for answering a question.