In a surprising twist, a rare 1795 Flowing Hair Silver Dollar was found in a basement in Rhode Island. This coin, one of the earliest silver dollars ever minted in the United States, has excited coin collectors and historians. Its discovery has led to much anticipation as it is set to be auctioned, becoming a valuable piece of American history.
Historical Significance of the 1795 Flowing Hair Dollar
The 1795 Flowing Hair Dollar is a significant coin in the history of the United States. It was one of the first silver dollars ever minted by the U.S. government. Designed by Robert Scot, it shows Lady Liberty with flowing hair on the front and an eagle surrounded by a wreath on the back.
This coin was minted in 1794 and 1795. In 1795, about 160,000 coins were made, making those that have survived very rare. The condition of this coin is especially important, as high-quality examples are hard to find.
The Remarkable Discovery
The discovery of the 1795 Flowing Hair Silver Dollar happened in late 2024. A family member cleaning out an estate in Rhode Island found a coin in an old shoebox. When they took a closer look, they realized it was the rare silver dollar.
This particular coin has a silver plug, which was used to adjust its weight during the minting process. It was graded AU58 by the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) and received approval from the Certified Acceptance Corporation (CAC). This makes it one of the finest examples of this coin.
Coin Specifications and Details
Feature | Details |
---|---|
Year of Minting | 1795 |
Design | Flowing Hair by Robert Scot |
Obverse | Liberty with flowing hair |
Reverse | Eagle within a wreath |
Composition | 89.24% Silver, 10.76% Copper |
Diameter | 39–40 mm |
Weight | 26.96 grams |
Mint Location | Philadelphia |
Mintage | Approximately 160,295 |
Variety | Silver Plug |
Grade | AU58 (PCGS), CAC Approved |
Estimated Value | Over $100,000 |
Market Value and Auction Prospects
The 1795 Flowing Hair Silver Dollar is highly valuable because of its rarity and condition. Coins like this have sold for high amounts in auctions. For example, a similar coin with a silver plug, graded MS65+, sold for $705,000 in a 2015 auction.
Experts predict that the current coin, with its AU58 grade and CAC approval, could sell for over $100,000 in the upcoming auction. The excitement around this rare coin is growing, as collectors see it as a rare chance to own a piece of early U.S. history.
The Silver Plug
The silver plug in this coin is an interesting detail. In the early days of minting, some coins were slightly underweight. To fix this, a silver plug was added to the coin to make it the right weight. This process didn’t last long, making coins with a silver plug rare and highly sought after by collectors.
The Family Legacy
This coin has been in the same family for more than 200 years, passed down through seven generations. Its discovery adds a special chapter to the family’s history. It also offers a direct link to the early years of the United States and its first coinage.
Authentication and Grading
After being discovered, the coin was carefully checked for authenticity and graded. The PCGS gave it an AU58 grade, which means it shows little wear and is in great condition. The CAC also approved it, confirming its high quality compared to other coins in the same grade.
Investment Potential
Coins like the 1795 Flowing Hair Silver Dollar are not just historical artifacts; they are also valuable investments. Their rarity, historical importance, and excellent condition make them worth a lot. For collectors and investors, these coins can be an important part of an investment portfolio, as their value tends to rise over time.
FAQs
What is the 1795 Flowing Hair Dollar?
It is one of the first silver dollars minted by the U.S.
Where was the 1795 Flowing Hair Silver Dollar found?
It was found in a basement in Rhode Island.
What is the value of this coin?
It is expected to sell for over $100,000.
What is a silver plug in coins?
It was added to adjust the weight of early coins.
How many of these coins were made?
About 160,000 were minted.