How to Identify the Flowing Hair Dollar

What It Is

The Flowing Hair Dollar was the first silver dollar coin issued by the United States, struck only in 1794 and 1795. The 1794 issue is especially rare, while the 1795 issue is more available to collectors, though still an early and historically significant coin. Production was carried out on hand-operated screw presses at the fledgling Philadelphia Mint, which explains the somewhat irregular strikes and centering seen on many surviving examples.

Obverse (Front)

The obverse shows a right-facing portrait of Liberty with long, loose, flowing hair, surrounded by stars (fifteen stars on most coins, reflecting the number of states at the time) and the word "LIBERTY" above, with the date below.

Reverse (Back)

The reverse features a small eagle with open wings, standing within a wreath, and the inscription "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" around the border.

Size, Weight, Metal, and Edge

The coin measures approximately 39-40 mm in diameter and weighs about 26.96 grams, struck in 89.24% silver. The edge is lettered "HUNDRED CENTS ONE DOLLAR OR UNIT," applied before striking on early Mint coinage.

Mint Marks

There is no mint mark, since all Flowing Hair Dollars were struck at the original Philadelphia Mint, the only facility in operation at the time.

Telling It Apart From Similar Coins

The Flowing Hair design (1794-1795) is distinguished from the subsequent Draped Bust Dollar (1795-1804) by Liberty's loose, unbound hair and simpler bust, compared to the later design's more formal draped clothing and different hairstyle. Because both design types were struck during 1795, that year exists in both varieties, so the overall portrait style (not just the date) is needed to tell them apart.

Grading at a Glance

Look at the strands of hair for separation and detail, and the eagle's wing and breast feathers on the reverse, since these are the first areas to show wear. Because early Mint dies and blanks were somewhat irregular, adjustment marks (file marks used to correct overweight blanks before striking) are commonly seen on genuine coins and are not necessarily a defect.

Authenticity Red Flags

Given the coin's age and value, look for a strike and surface that appear too soft, mushy, or lacking in fine hair and feather detail, which can indicate a cast reproduction. Verify the edge lettering is present, correctly oriented, and reads clearly, since many fakes get the edge wrong or omit it entirely. A weight or diameter that doesn't match the genuine specification, or a suspiciously new-looking surface without the natural wear pattern expected of an 18th-century coin, are additional warning signs. Because genuine planchets were hand-adjusted, an example with an oddly perfect, machine-uniform surface and no trace of file marks or minor planchet irregularities should be examined carefully.