The first United
States half dollars, minted in December 1794, were of
the flowing hair design by Robert Scot. This style,
which was continued in 1795, matched that used on the
half dimes and dollars of the same dates.
In 1796 the style was changed to the draped bust configuration.
The reverse depicted a small eagle perched on a cloud.
This design, minted in very limited quantities in 1796
and 1797, is considered to be the rarest major half
dollar type.
No half dollars were coined with dates 1798 to 1800.
In 1801 the half dollar again appeared. The design featured
Scot's draped bust on the obverse. The reverse was of
the heraldic eagle style. This was continued through
1807.
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