2016-01-27 Wed

For collectors of American silver dollar coins, the 1794 Flowing Hair Silver Dollar would definitely be a priceless possession. In 2013, this coin was auctioned at an impressive for $10,016,875. Though it is not one-of-a-kind, it was the first to be released just after the US Congress authorized a national mint to make coins. Only a handful of them survive today.

This two and a quarter century old coin is set for an eight city European tour, starting in Prague and ending in London. On Oct 15, 1794, some 1,758 coins were struck on a screw press. Since the die used to mint these coins wore out quickly, the coins that were made first have the most detail. This particular one is believed to be one among the first struck.

Out of the other 1794 silver dollars that exist today, this is the only one where Liberty's curls show incredible definition, even at their very highest relief above Liberty's ear, as do the eagle's feathers which display all of the fine nuances of the die.

Designed by engraver Robert Scot, experts believe that only 120 to 130 of these rare coins exist in the world. This design was only used for two years, and in late 1795 a new design was introduced that lasted until 1804.

The obverse of the coin features 15 stars, one for each state, and the inscription ‘LIBERTY’.

The reverse depicts a stylized eagle and the inscription ‘UNITED STATES OF AMERICA’. The denomination ‘HUNDRED CENTS ONE DOLLAR OR UNIT’ is inscribed around the edge of the coin.

Other coins were also auctioned at the show, but none of them could match up to the rarity or value of the Flowing Hair Dollar.