2018-04-24 Tue

When a national mint was established in the United States, everyone was blissfully unaware that two centuries later, the Flowing Hair Dollar, would become iconic. The Flowing Hair dollar was the first dollar coin issued by the United States federal government. The coin was minted in 1794 and 1795. Its size and weight were according to the Spanish dollar standards, which was popular in trade throughout the Americas.

These seminal silver coins were graced with a figure of Liberty, adorned with flowing hair, and surrounded by fifteen stars - representing the fifteen states of US. The reverse featured an eagle encircled by a wreath and the legend UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. The written-out denomination was placed on the edge: HUNDRED CENTS ONE DOLLAR OR UNIT.

Very few of the entire known population of 1794 silver dollars remain today. One such exceptional piece was sold by Stack's Bowers in January 2013 New York Americana Sale, for more than 10 million dollars, setting a world record!

So check that dusty box of your family heirloom. That little present could fetch you millions. Also, think twice before buying such coins. It could be bogus.

Image Courtesy: https://www.usacoinbook.com/