Among American numismatics’ most historically important coins is the Flowing Hair dollar. This silver dollar is mostly accepted as the first official dollar piece produced by the United States government, minted in 1794 and 1795. These coins are rare, old, and historically significant; hence, collectors strongly value them. At auctions, some specimens have commanded stratospheric bids. These seven most expensive Flowing Hair dollars have fetched high prices at auction.
The 1794 Flowing Hair Dollar – $10,016,875 (2013)
Auctioned in 2013 for an astounding $10,016,875, the 1794 Flowing Hair Silver Dollar is the most valuable Flowing Hair Dollar ever sold. This piece is believed to be the first silver dollar produced by the United States Mint. Experts attribute its great worth to its rarity, historical significance, and excellent condition. It is one of the most well-known specimens since PCGS graded Specimen-66 (SP66) and included it in the renowned Cardinal Collection.
Strong features with prooflike surfaces on this coin make it even more unique; many people think it was a display piece aimed to highlight the new mint’s capabilities. It stands out from most other surviving instances in part because of its crisp design and deep, reflecting fields. A national treasure, the 1794 Flowing Hair dollar broke beyond numismatic world records in sales at around $10 million.
The 1794 Flowing Hair Dollar – $7,850,000 (2021)
Still another instance of the 1794 Flowing Hair Silver Dollar sold for $7,850,000 in 2021. One of the best-known examples is this specific coin because of its well-defined strike and high-grade preservation. Bruce Morelan, a well-known numismatist, had possessed the piece and gathered some of the best collections of early American coins.
Nearly exactly in quality to the record-setting $10 million specimen, graded PCGS Specimen-66 (SP66) Fewer than 140 known examples exist of the 1794 Flowing Hair dollar, which is considered the pinnacle of early American coins. This coin’s outstanding value at auction resulted from both its historical relevance and amazing degree of preservation.
The 1794 Flowing Hair Dollar – $4,993,750 (2015)
Still another 1794 Flowing Hair Silver Dollar sold at auction in 2015 for $4,993,750. Although it’s not the highest price ever paid for a Flowing Hair dollar, it is still among the most costly U.S. coins sold. Though it is more than 220 years old, this coin was rated PCGS MS-64+ (Mint State 64+), so it is almost perfect.
Collectors seek this particular sample for its precise details and well-struck surfaces, which define it. Although poor minting technique at the time caused many early U.S. silver dollars to have weak striking, this piece was rather well-made. In numismatics, it is still a beloved specimen.
The 1795 Flowing Hair Dollar (Two Leaves) – $2,820,000 (2022)
Another highly sought-after coin with a wonderful $2,820,000 at auction in 2022 is the 1795 Flowing Hair Dollar (Two Leaves Variety). Two leaves under the eagle on the back side set this variant apart. It is a numismatic rarity, as just a few excellent specimens of this range exist.
Graded PCGS MS-66, this specimen was in amazing shape with little wear and a striking strike. Despite the rarity of well-preserved examples, manufacturers produced the 1795 Flowing Hair dollar in somewhat larger quantities than its 1794 cousin. The restricted availability and great demand from collectors contributed to increasing the price almost to $3 million.
The 1795 Flowing Hair Dollar (Three Leaves) – $1,880,000 (2015)
Selling for $1,880,000 in 2015, the Three Leaves Variety is another rare and precious 1795 Flowing Hair Dollar. Three leaves under the eagle’s wings on the back set this coin apart. Though still rather appealing, the Three Leaves form is far less rare than the Two Leaves variation.
This sample, graded PCGS MS-65, was in amazing shape. Among the best-known specimens of the Three Leaves variant, it has a sharp strike, pristine mint sheen, and clean detailing. Because of their historical relevance and artistic appeal, collectors especially value these early dollars, therefore guaranteeing great auction results when they show on the market.
The 1795 Flowing Hair Dollar (Off-Center) – $1,265,000 (2013)
One of the most uncommon and precious specimens ever sold, this special 1795 Flowing Hair Dollar has an off-center strike. In 2013, an auction sold it for $1,265,000, reflecting its significance as a minting mistake and a bit of early U.S. currency history.
Despite a minting defect, this coin, certified PCGS MS-63, was in excellent general condition. Early American coins were often struck off-center because of the crude technologies of the day. For collectors drawn to both rare coins and minting abnormalities, the misalignment adds to its distinctiveness and makes the coin an intriguing object.
The 1795 Flowing Hair Dollar (Prooflike) – $910,625 (2005)
At last, in 2005, for $910,625, a 1795 Flowing Hair Dollar with prooflike surfaces was sold. Grade PCGS MS-64 PL (Prooflike); this coin showed mirror-like fields and crisp details—qualities infrequently found in early U.S. currency.
This coin’s prooflike character implies it would have been among the first strikes from newly polished dies, therefore increasing its appeal to collectors. Though it fell short of the million-dollar mark, it is still among the most costly Flowing Hair bucks ever sold.
Conclusion
Respected among the most expensive and sought-after coins in the numismatic scene, the Flowing Hair dollar marks the beginning of American coinage. These coins have regularly set record-breaking prices at auctions, whether for historical relevance, quality, or rarity. The Flowing Hair dollar will probably stay central in the field of rare coin collecting as collectors and investors hunt for these early American gems.
FAQs
1. Why are Flowing Hair dollars so expensive?
Flowing Hair dollars are expensive due to their rarity, historical significance, and condition. They were the first U.S. silver dollars ever minted, making them highly desirable to collectors.
2. How many Flowing Hair dollars still exist today?
It is estimated that fewer than 140 examples of the 1794 Flowing Hair dollar exist today, while a slightly higher number of 1795 examples survive.
3. What is the difference between the Two Leaves and Three Leaves varieties?
The Two Leaves and Three Leaves varieties of the 1795 Flowing Hair dollar differ based on the number of leaves beneath the eagle’s wings on the reverse side of the coin.
4. Where can I buy a Flowing Hair dollar?
Flowing Hair dollars are typically available at major numismatic auctions, coin dealers, and private sales, though they command high prices due to their rarity.