Owner Comments:
The Flowing Hair dollars were the first U.S. silver coins that were issued by the U.S. mint for general circulation. The first delivery of finished coins was made on October 15, 1794. That year the mint struck only 1,758 silver dollars. Today only about 125 examples of the 1794 dollar are known, and they are highly sought after by collectors. In 1795 the mint issued 160,295 Flowing Hair dollars, and pieces bearing that date are most often seen in collections. Some years ago David Bowers estimated the total surviving population of Flowing Hair dollars to be from 6,000 to 9,500 coins in all grades. These estimates include pieces that have been badly worn or damaged.
The coin shown above is a very attractive example of slightly circulated Flowing Hair dollar. There is a fair amount of luster within the letters on both sides of the coin.
Although the Flowing Hair dollars are collectors’ treasures today, the contemporary press was highly critical of their appearance. Midway through the year, Ms. Liberty’s flowing locks were bound up with a ribbon, and she was given a more sedate appearance. On the reverse the skinny eagle that in some ways resembled a pterodactyl or winged dinosaur was replaced by a more realistic looking young eagle that appeared to emerging from its nest.