Flowing Hair Dollar (1794 - 1795)

Overview

Originally the first official silver dollar made by the United States Mint, the Flowing Hair Dollar, minted in 1794 and 1795, has a special and important position in American numismatics history. Designed by Robert Scot, this famous coin depicts the early efforts of the fledgling country to create a consistent monetary system and generate silver money akin to European standards. Flowing Hair Dollars were designed to circulate at par (the same value) with the more common and familiar Spanish and Mexican dollars, or pieces of eight, which were legal tender at the time. They were slightly larger and heavier than later Morgan Dollars and Peace Dollars, which collectors encounter more frequently. Flowing Hair Dollars were intended to circulate at par with these dollars.

• • On the obverse, there is a depiction of Liberty with flowing hair that is facing left. This portrait is meant to represent independence and young power. The word "LIBERTY" is written in the uppermost part of the design, and fifteen stars, which indicate the states that existed at the time, surround the pattern. The year that the coin was minted is shown at the bottom.
• • On the reverse, there is a little eagle with spread wings that is surrounded by a wreath, which is meant to represent the United States of America. Within the design, the words "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" are written in surrounding letters.

There are less than 140 1794 Flowing Hair Dollars that have been certified by the C.A.C., the NGC, and the PCGS, with a remarkable handful of them being classified as Gem or better. The total number of coins that are believed to exist is around 150, according to estimations. There is not a single 1794 Flowing Hair Dollar that is not outrageously costly; in fact, several pieces are selling for more than one million dollars. Even though dollars from 1795 are pricey in every grade, they are the alternative that is more "affordable" for collectors of type sets.

One of the most significant coins in American history, the Flowing Hair Dollar, captures the early goals of the just-starting United States Mint. Whether your interests are numismatist or historical, this coin is among the most sought-after objects in the world of United States coin collecting and reflects the remarkable monetary history of the nation.