Flowing Hair Dollars

The Flowing Hair Dollar was the first official silver dollar struck by the United States Mint, debuting in 1794. The obverse features Liberty with loose, flowing hair symbolizing freedom, while the reverse displays a small eagle surrounded by a wreath.

These early dollars were struck in the original federal silver standard of approximately 89.24% silver and 10.76% copper, with a weight of 26.96 grams. In 1795, the reverse design transitioned from the Small Eagle to the Heraldic Eagle motif, creating two distinct types within the short-lived series.

Mintages were limited, and surviving examples are scarce, particularly in higher grades. As the nation’s first regular-issue silver dollar, the Flowing Hair Dollar holds foundational importance in American numismatics and remains one of the most coveted early U.S. coin types.