Flowing Hair Dollar Value
1794–1795 · $1 · 89.24% silver, 10.76% copper
Value by Grade
| Grade | Est. Value |
|---|---|
| Poor (P-1) | $25,000 |
| Good (G-4) | $50,000 |
| Fine (F-12) | $150,000 |
| Uncirculated (MS-63) | $500,000 |
| Gem (MS-65) | $1,500,000 |
| Perfect (MS-70) | $7,500,000 |
Key Dates & Rare Varieties
| Date/Variety | Why It's Special | Value Range |
|---|---|---|
| 1794 | First US silver dollar — only ~130 survive in all grades | $50,000–$10,000,000 |
| 1795 Two Leaves | Scarcer reverse variety with two leaves under wings | $2,000–$50,000 |
| 1795 Three Leaves | More common variety but still rare | $1,500–$40,000 |
Coin Specifications
- Designer
- Robert Scot
- Years
- 1794–1795
- Denomination
- $1
- Composition
- 89.24% silver, 10.76% copper
- Diameter
- 39 mm
- Weight
- 26.96 g
Quick Value
Where to Buy/Sell
Flowing Hair Dollar: History & Background
The Flowing Hair Dollar was the first dollar coin issued by the United States federal government, with production beginning in October 1794. Only 1,758 were struck in that first year, and perhaps only 120–130 survive today. A specimen graded SP66 sold at auction in 2013 for over $10 million, making it the most expensive coin ever sold at the time. The obverse shows Liberty with flowing hair surrounded by stars, while the reverse depicts a small eagle within a wreath. The design was replaced by the Draped Bust type in 1795 after only two years of production.
How to Grade a Flowing Hair Dollar
Accurate grading is the single most important factor in determining a coin's value. A difference of just a few grade points can mean 10× or more in value. Examine the highest points of the design first — these are where wear appears earliest. For the finest grades, luster, strike quality, and surface preservation all matter. Professional grading by PCGS or NGC adds certainty and typically increases resale value. Read our complete grading guide →
What Affects Flowing Hair Dollar Value?
Condition & Grade
The grade spread for Flowing Hair Dollars is dramatic: a common-date example jumps from $25,000 in Poor to $500,000 in Uncirculated — a 20× increase. Gem-quality MS-65 specimens can reach $1,500,000 or more. Even a single grade point difference at the upper end can double a coin's price.
Date & Mintmark
The Flowing Hair Dollar series has 3 notable key dates. The 1794 is valued at $50,000–$10,000,000, far above common dates. Mintmark location and variety (such as overdates or repunched marks) can multiply a coin's value significantly.
Precious Metal Content
With a composition of 89.24% silver, 10.76% copper and a weight of 26.96g, the Flowing Hair Dollar carries intrinsic metal value that sets a price floor. When silver prices rise, even heavily worn examples appreciate. The melt value provides downside protection that base-metal coins lack.
Strike Quality & Eye Appeal
Designed by Robert Scot, the Flowing Hair Dollar (39mm diameter) can exhibit varying strike quality across different mint facilities and years. Coins with full, sharp design details, original luster, and attractive toning trade at premiums of 20–50% above the same technical grade with average eye appeal.
Collector Notes: Flowing Hair Dollar
The Flowing Hair Dollar (1794–1795) holds a distinctive place in US numismatics. Designed by Robert Scot, this $1 coin was struck in 89.24% silver, 10.76% copper with a diameter of 39mm and weight of 26.96 grams. These physical specifications are essential for authentication — any deviation from these measurements is a red flag for counterfeits.
Collectors approaching the Flowing Hair Dollar series should start by assembling a date-and-mintmark set in a consistent grade. Fine (F-12) offers a good balance of affordability and visual appeal for most dates, with clear design elements still visible. Budget roughly $150,000 per common date in Fine condition, then set aside a larger budget for the 3 key dates in the series.
For registry set collectors pursuing top grades, the Flowing Hair Dollar in MS-65 or better represents a more significant investment at $1,500,000+ per coin. Population reports from PCGS and NGC show that the supply of certified high-grade examples is limited, and competition among registry set collectors has driven premiums for condition-census coins.
Before purchasing any Flowing Hair Dollar valued above $100, we recommend reviewing our 2026 US Coin Values Quick Reference PDF ($2.99) which includes a complete grade-by-grade price breakdown and key date identification guide for this series.
Flowing Hair Dollar: Frequently Asked Questions
▶How much is a Flowing Hair Dollar worth today?
A Flowing Hair Dollar (1794–1795) is worth between $25,000 in Poor condition and $500,000 or more in Uncirculated condition. In the most commonly found Fine grade, expect around $150,000. Gem specimens graded MS-65 can reach $1,500,000 or higher. Values fluctuate with collector demand and the spot price of silver.
▶What is the most valuable Flowing Hair Dollar?
The most valuable Flowing Hair Dollar is the 1794 — first us silver dollar — only ~130 survive in all grades. This date is valued at $50,000–$10,000,000 depending on grade and condition. Always have potentially valuable dates authenticated by PCGS or NGC before selling.
▶How do I grade a Flowing Hair Dollar?
Grading a Flowing Hair Dollar starts with examining the highest points of the design, where wear appears first. Look for remaining luster, sharpness of details, and surface marks. The Sheldon scale runs from 1 (Poor) to 70 (Perfect). For this series, the jump from Fine (F-12, worth ~$150,000) to Uncirculated (MS-63, worth ~$500,000) is significant. Professional grading by PCGS or NGC costs $20–$50 per coin and is recommended for coins that appear to be worth $100 or more. Our PDF guide ($2.99) includes a visual grading chart for this series.
▶Where is the best place to sell Flowing Hair Dollars?
For common-date Flowing Hair Dollars in circulated grades, local coin shops and eBay are practical options — expect 70–85% of retail value. For key dates or high-grade examples, Heritage Auctions or Stack's Bowers will reach the most serious buyers and typically achieve the strongest prices. PCGS or NGC certification is essential before consigning valuable coins to auction. For a detailed selling strategy, see our selling guide.
▶Are there error varieties of the Flowing Hair Dollar?
Yes. Known Flowing Hair Dollar errors include doubled die obverses and reverses, repunched mintmarks, off-center strikes, and die cracks. Some error varieties can be worth multiples of normal strikes. Always examine coins under magnification to check for die doubling, especially on lettering and dates.
▶How can I tell if my Flowing Hair Dollar is real?
Authentic Flowing Hair Dollars weigh 26.96 grams and measure 39 mm in diameter. Check the weight with a precision scale (digital scales accurate to 0.01g are available for under $20). The coin should be composed of 89.24% silver, 10.76% copper. Counterfeit coins often fail the weight test, show seams on the edge, or have mushy design details. For valuable dates, always obtain PCGS or NGC authentication — the cost is minimal compared to the risk of buying or selling a counterfeit.
▶What affects the value of a Flowing Hair Dollar the most?
The four biggest value drivers for Flowing Hair Dollars are: (1) Grade — the difference between Good and Uncirculated is $450,000 for common dates; (2) Date and mintmark — key dates like 1794 command large premiums; (3) Silver spot price — sets a floor value for circulated examples; (4) Eye appeal — original surfaces, attractive toning, and strong strikes increase desirability among collectors.
▶How many Flowing Hair Dollars were made?
The Flowing Hair Dollar was produced from 1794–1795. Mintage varied widely by year and mint — some dates had millions struck while key dates had far fewer. The scarce 1794 is especially sought after. Check our full value table above for key dates and their relative scarcity.
▶Should I clean my Flowing Hair Dollar?
Never clean a Flowing Hair Dollar or any collectible coin. Cleaning removes the original surface and patina, which collectors prize — a cleaned coin can lose 50% or more of its value compared to an original, naturally toned example. Even coins that look "dirty" often have desirable original toning. If you must remove loose debris, hold the coin by its edges and gently rinse with distilled water. Our coin storage guide has more preservation tips.
▶Is the Flowing Hair Dollar a good investment?
Flowing Hair Dollars in key dates and high grades have historically appreciated well. Common dates in circulated grades are affordable entry points and carry intrinsic silver value as a floor. For investment purposes, focus on PCGS/NGC-certified examples in grades of Fine or better, and prioritize key dates with low mintages. Our PDF Quick Reference Guide ($2.99) covers all Flowing Hair Dollar dates and values to help identify the best opportunities.