Flowing Hair Dollar 1794 - 1795

The silver dollar was intended to be the cornerstone of the U.S. monetary system. It was a display of America's ability to produce a silver coin similar to the Spanish pieces of eight.

On the obverse of the nations first silver dollar, Liberty is portrayed as a young woman with her head held high and her hair, unfettered, flowing down her back. The word "LIBERTY" is at twelve o'clock and the date is at six o'clock. Fifteen six pointed stars complete the circle around a dentilled rim.

On the reverse, in the center is an eagle perched on a rock, his wings partially outstretched, circled by a pair of olive branches tied at the bottom. The legend (THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA) form the outer circle just inside the dentilled rim.

Either forgotten or considered unnecessary, the denomination of the first dollar was omitted.

Vital Stats. Designer: Robert Scot Content: 90% silver 10% copper Diameter: 39-40 millimeters Weight: 27 grams Edge: Lettered - "HUNDRED CENTS ONE DOLLAR OR UNIT" (ornaments between words vary) Mint Mark: None (Philadelphia) Flowing Hair Mintage Year/ Mint Mark Circulation Strikes 1794 1,758 1795 160,295

Flowing Hair Dollar The early dollars were produced from hand made dies, this probably accounts for the variations in known examples. Blanks for the dollars were weighed before a coin was struck, if too heavy, blanks were filed down to remove excess silver, if too lite, a small silver plug was put in the center to increase the weight. Adjustment marks, are often still visible and they remind us of the history associated with early coin production.

Unable to produce coins of this size in 1794, most dollars were weakly struck, some so weak they were rejected for circulation. 1,758 dollars were minted in 1794 before production stopped. In May, 1795 the Mint procured a press that could produce a better strike.

• About 150 1794 Flowing Hair dollars have been certified (a few in Gem or finer).
• The census/ population report for the 1795 dollar lists over 2,000 coins (a few pieces classified "prooflike").
• All 1794 issues in Select Uncirculated or better have been selling for seven figures.
• 1795 dollars are expensive at all grades.