1795 $1 Flowing Hair Silver Dollar, BB-27 3 Leaves PCGS XF45

Here’s a fascinating piece to add to your collection. It is the very first United States silver dollar series: the iconic Flowing Hair dollar. This dollar series was produced for only two years—1794 and 1795. The former are virtually impossible to acquire, based on the low survival rate and exorbitant price.

PCGS has graded only 79 of the popular BB-27 variety of the 1795 Flowing Hair dollar. Of those, there are 7 in XF45 with 24 finer. Collector’s Universe prices this issue at $22,500.00 in XF45.

The first U.S. Mint in Philadelphia, where this classic piece was struck in 1795. Public domain image.

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."