Flowing Hair Dollar Values
How Much Flowing Hair Dollars are Worth: Flowing Hair Dollar Values & Coin Price Chart
Year | Mint | Variety | Designation | VG-8 | F-12 | VF-20 | EF-40 | AU-50 | U-60 | MS-63 | MS-64 | MS-65 | MS-66 | MS-67 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1800 | P | Plain 4- Stemless Wreath | Red-brown | 200 | 300 | 400 | 500 | 600 | 700 | 800 | 900 | 1000 | 1200 | 1100 |
| Year | Mint | Variety | Designation | VG-8 | F-12 | VF-20 | EF-40 | AU-50 | MS-60 | MS-63 | MS-64 | MS-65 | MS-66 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1794 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $137,000.00 | $198,000.00 | $238,000.00 | $420,500.00 | $612,500.00 | $1,147,500.00 | $1,867,500.00 | $3,085,000.00 | $3,900,000.00 | $6,125,000.00 |
| 1795 | (None) Phil | 3 Leaves | -- | $4,620.00 | $6,405.00 | $7,938.00 | $14,800.00 | $28,650.00 | $86,100.00 | $188,750.00 | $311,250.00 | $622,500.00 | $1,162,500.00 |
| 1795 | (None) Phil | 2 Leaves | -- | $4,758.00 | $6,625.00 | $8,185.00 | $16,925.00 | $29,200.00 | $92,700.00 | $209,000.00 | $319,500.00 | $683,000.00 | -- |
| 1795 | (None) Phil | Silver Plug | -- | $9,600.00 | $13,750.00 | $16,125.00 | $31,900.00 | $71,300.00 | $221,250.00 | $318,000.00 | $437,000.00 | $730,000.00 | -- |
History of the Flowing Hair Dollar
The Flowing Hair Dollar holds the distinction of being the first silver dollar coin issued by the federal government of the United States. Struck at the United States Mint in Philadelphia during 1794 and 1795 and crafted under the direction of Chief Engraver Robert Scot, the design features Lady Liberty facing right, her hair flowing backward. The edge bears the legend “HUNDRED CENTS ONE DOLLAR OR UNIT”. The 1794 reverse shows a small eagle perched on a rock (with minimal wreath), while the 1795 reverse presents a small eagle inside a full laurel wreath. Both eagles are surrounded by the words “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA”.
Production began in October 1794 with a meager mintage of 1,758 pieces, due in large part to limited press capacity and the nascent state of the mint’s technology. In 1795, the mintage expanded significantly to approximately 160,295 coins, but production was still short-lived. By October 1795, the Flowing Hair design was replaced by the Draped Bust Dollar, making the Flowing Hair series brief and therefore highly valued among collectors.
Key typesetting details and manufacturing quirks, such as rudimentary screw-press strikes, uneven planchets, and weak detail in certain areas, give the coin a distinct character and collectability profile, despite the challenges of the era.
Rarest Coins in the Series
Within the Flowing Hair Dollar series, several issues are extremely scarce and sell for high prices. First among them is the 1794 date: with only 1,758 coins struck and very few survivors in high grade, this issue ranks among the rarest in American numismatics. In 2013, a 1794 Flowing Hair dollar sold for $10,016,875, the highest price paid for a U.S. coin at that time.
The 1795 date, despite a considerably higher mintage, still features varieties that raise rarity and value. For example, the “2-Leaves” vs “3-Leaves” branch on the wreath reverse and the silver-plug variety add complexity and desirability. High grades across both dates are very scarce. Coins in AU or MS condition are rare, and as a result, the Flowing Hair Dollar value rises sharply with better condition, original surfaces, and strong detail.
Collectors also examine strike quality, planchet preparation (including silver plugs used to correct weight), and die states, all factors that heavily influence rarity and premium status.
Types of Collections
Collecting the Flowing Hair Dollar series can follow several logical approaches, depending on interest and budget:
- Representative Type Set: One entry might include a circulated example of a 1795 Flowing Hair Dollar. This offers a way to own a foundational piece of U.S. silver coinage without chasing extreme rarities.
- Complete Date Set: A collector may strive for both dates (1794 and 1795) with decent grades, though the 1794 remains exceptionally rare, even in circulated grades.
- Variety/Specialty Set: Some focus on specific sub-varieties (e.g., 1795 “2-Leaves” vs “3-Leaves,” silver-plug variants) or condition levels (e.g., AU and MS survivors).
- High-Grade/Trophy Piece Collection: At the top end, collectors seek coins from 1794, premium 1795 examples, and coins with strong provenance and exceptional eye appeal.
Each strategy emphasizes different trade-offs: breadth vs depth, accessibility vs rarity, or condition over simply acquiring a coin.
Beginner vs. Advanced Collecting
Beginner Collecting
Entry-level collectors might target a 1795 Flowing Hair Dollar in circulated grade (e.g., Fine to Very Fine), which is relatively more affordable compared to the 1794. The objective is to become familiar with the series, learn to examine strike quality, note common wear points, and gain comfort with grading and authenticity considerations. Even at lower grades, these coins carry historical significance.
Advanced Collecting
More sophisticated collectors pursue ultra-rare high-grade examples, die-state studies, plug vs non-plug distinctions, and pedigree research. Condition becomes critical: transitioning from AU to MS or from MS60 to MS65 often dramatically increases value. For advanced collectors, the focus is on the best possible piece within a given date/variety, and that means extensive research, strong relationships with numismatic advisors, auction experience, and patience. The examination of Flowing Hair Dollar value at that tier becomes a deep exercise in rarity, demand, and market trends.
Investment Potential
From an investment perspective, the Flowing Hair Dollar presents investment potential, yet it carries the characteristics of high-end numismatics rather than general rounding coins. Factors supporting investment potential include historical primacy (the first U.S. silver dollar), very limited production (especially 1794), strong collector demand, and market record sales. Guides report that even lower-grade 1795 coins can command significant premiums above metal value; higher-grade examples can reach hundreds of thousands or millions of dollars.
However, investing in this series also requires caution: high cost of entry for top coins, limited liquidity compared to more common series, the need for expert authentication and strong certification, and sensitivity to grade and condition. The value of a Flowing Hair Dollar is highly condition-sensitive, where a slight improvement in detail or surface can lead to a large price jump. Market timing matters as well.
In terms of sheer numbers, price guides note that MS65 1794 coins typically reach seven-figure prices, while fewer grade improvements exist beyond. For the collector/investor who can access premium pieces and hold long-term, this series combines history, design, and scarcity.