The 1794 Flowing Hair Silver Dollar is not just a coin—it’s a piece of American history and potentially your ticket to millionaire status.
Minted in 1794, it’s widely considered the first official U.S. silver dollar, crafted under the Coinage Act of 1792, with a composition of 90% silver, weighing 26.96 g and spanning 39–40 mm in diameter.
Historical Milestone & Rarity
- Designer: Robert Scot, the first Chief Engraver of the U.S. Mint
- Design: Obverse features a flowing-haired Liberty; reverse shows a small eagle surrounded by a wreath
- Minted: 1794–95; only 1,758 produced in the inaugural strike on October 15, 1794
- Surviving Specimens: Estimated at 135–150 coins today
Value & Auction Records
This coin isn’t a collector’s item—it’s a vault of value. Here’s a breakdown of estimated values by condition:
| Condition | Approx. Value (USD) |
|---|---|
| Worn (Heavy Circulation) | $17,000 |
| Average Circulation | $170,000 |
| Light Circulation | $510,000 |
| Uncirculated | $2,550,000 |
| MS60 (Mint State) | ~$1,150,000 |
| MS64 | ~$3,300,000 |
| MS66+ – SP66 (Silver‑Plug) | $10 million+ to $12 million |
Why So Valuable?
- Historical First: Potentially the very first U.S. silver dollar, struck carefully for dignitaries, including President Washington .
- Scarcity: With only around 150 survivors, availability is extremely limit.
- Collector Interest: High demand among elite numismatists ensures top-tier auction price.
- Condition Premium: As condition improves, values soar—MS60 coins fetch over $1 million, rarer MS66+ reach into tens of millions.
Identifying Your Coin
- Edge Lettering: reads “HUNDRED CENTS ONE DOLLAR OR UNIT”
- Composition: ~90% silver, 10% copper, approximating Spanish dollar standards
- Size & Weight: 39–40 mm and 26.96 g
- Silver Plug Variation: Some 1795 issues have an inserted plug to adjust weight; the 1794 SP66 coin is special .
Should You Seek, Sell, or Invest?
- Have one? Get it professionally graded by PCGS or NGC—condition dramatically impacts value.
- Found an altered coin? Beware of replicas or restrikes; only certified originals hold value.
- Considering purchase? Even circulated coins start at tens of thousands; high-grade pieces enter multi-million-dollar territory.
- Buying for investment? Historical significance plus rarity make them a serious long-term tangible asset .
The 1794 Flowing Hair Silver Dollar is much more than numismatic treasure—it’s a cornerstone of American sovereignty, a once-in-a-lifetime find that can “make you a millionaire.”
With only a few dozen high-value specimens in existence, even a modest condition coin can fetch a small fortune.
Remember: proper grading, authentication, and rarity are keys to unlocking its true value. Keep one of these in your collection, and you truly hold both history and wealth in your palm.
FAQs
How many 1794 Flowing Hair Dollars exist today?
Estimates suggest 135–150 known specimens, including a few top-grade examples like MS66+ and MS67.
Could my coin be worth millions?
Yes—uncirculated MS64 coins exceed $3 million, while MS66+ or Proof-like varieties can reach $10–12 million+.
What makes one worth more—the plug or surface quality?
Both. The rare SP66 silver-plug variant sold for $10 million, while pristine, plug-free MS67 coins are insured for up to $15 million.