1795 $1 Flowing Hair Silver Dollar, 2 Leaves BB-21 PCGS VF20

Here’s a rare piece from the early days of our nation and national mint in Philadelphia. The specialist in Flowing Hair coinage should pay careful attention to this listing. Please study the photos provided by AU Capital Management. This dramatic example would be an excellent addition to your collection.

PCGS has graded a total of 60 of the BB-21 variety of the 1795 Flowing Hair dollar. Of those, there are 6 in VF20 with 32 finer. Collector’s Universe gives this variety a price of $9,000.00 in VF20.

The First Philadelphia Mint, where the Flowing Hair dollars were produced. Image: Public domain.

It was in 1794 that a journalist first saw the then new Flowing Hair design upon a dollar and wrote a brief report on it. "Some of the dollars now coining at the Mint of the United States have found their way to this town. A correspondent put one into the editor's hand yesterday." He described the design elements found on both sides, as well as upon the edge. He concludes, "The tout ensemble has a pleasing effect to a connoisseur; but the touches of the graver are too delicate, and there is a want of that boldness of execution which is necessary to durability and currency."

Writes numismatic art historian Cornelius Vermeule, "This criticism of device, style, and execution is one of the earliest surviving impressions of the first monumental coin of the United States." He discusses the Flowing Hair design of Robert Scot: "The young face and the youthful, flowing hair were admired symbols of the young republic." He also discusses the "goose-necked, tubular eagle within a wreath."