The 1794 Flowing Hair Silver Dollar holds an unparalleled place in U.S. numismatic history as the first dollar coin ever minted by the United States. Coveted by collectors and historians alike, this coin represents the dawn of the American monetary system.
Recently, the finest known example of this coin received a grading upgrade, further cementing its status as a numismatic masterpiece.
Grading Upgrade: A New Milestone for the 1794 Silver Dollar
The journey of this extraordinary 1794 Flowing Hair Silver Dollar has been marked by a series of landmark sales and grading evaluations.
- 1995 – Initially sold at a Stack’s auction, the coin was described as a Gem Brilliant Uncirculated specimen.
- 2010 – The Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) assessed the coin as MS66+, with an approval sticker from the Certified Acceptance Corporation (CAC).
- 2025 – The coin was recently re-evaluated by CAC Grading and upgraded to MS-67, making it the finest known surviving example of the first U.S. dollar ever struck.
This latest upgrade confirms what numismatists have long suspected—this is truly a once-in-a-lifetime specimen.
A $15 Million Numismatic Treasure
With its enhanced MS-67 grading, the coin has been insured for an astonishing $15 million. If it appears at an auction in 2025, it could set new records for the most valuable U.S. coin ever sold.
Historical Provenance: A Coin with a Legendary Past
The 1794 Flowing Hair Silver Dollar has a rich and well-documented history, tracing its ownership through some of the most prestigious numismatic collections:
| Year | Event | Grade | Price | Owner |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1920s | Part of Col. E.H.R. Green’s collection | – | – | Col. E.H.R. Green |
| 1995 | Sold at Stack’s Auction | Gem Brilliant Uncirculated | $577,500 | Jay Parrino |
| 1996 | Private sale to a Georgia collector | – | – | Chris Napolitano’s client |
| 2010 | PCGS Grading | MS66+ | – | Anonymous (“Stellar”) |
| 2025 | CAC Grading Upgrade | MS-67 | Insured for $15 million | Anonymous (“Stellar”) |
Collector Insights: The Owner’s Perspective
The current owner, known by the anonymous set registry name “Stellar”, has privately held the coin for nearly three decades. Chris Napolitano, who brokered the 1996 sale, shared insights on the owner’s satisfaction with the grading upgrade:
“Since I first saw this coin at Stack’s in 1995, I felt it was one of the most important U.S. coins in existence.”
This latest MS-67 grading confirmation has reinforced the belief that this coin is truly a one-of-a-kind numismatic treasure.
Auction Description: A Coin in Near-Perfect Condition
The 1995 Stack’s auction described the coin as:
“A gorgeous toned satin gem coin. Both sides are toned a lovely, deep coin silver gray with iridescent champagne and palest iridescent blue around the rims. The fields are fully lustrous and satiny, the frost virtually unmarred by signs of handling.”
Considering the coin’s age of over 230 years, its near-perfect preservation is nothing short of remarkable.
Why the 1794 Flowing Hair Silver Dollar is So Significant
1. The First U.S. Dollar Ever Minted
The 1794 Flowing Hair Silver Dollar was the first silver dollar struck by the United States Mint, marking the birth of the American monetary system.
2. Extremely Low Mintage
Only 1,758 coins were minted in 1794, and even fewer have survived in high grades.
3. The Finest Known Example
With its recent MS-67 upgrade, this is now officially the highest-graded specimen of the first U.S. dollar.
4. A Record-Breaking Future?
With an insurance value of $15 million, if this coin is ever put up for auction, it could shatter previous records for the most expensive coin ever sold.
Final Thoughts: A Numismatic Icon
The 1794 Flowing Hair Silver Dollar is more than just a coin—it’s a piece of American history. With its recent MS-67 grading upgrade, it now stands as the finest known surviving specimen of the first U.S. dollar ever minted.
Whether it appears at an auction in 2025 or remains in private hands, one thing is certain—this legendary coin will continue to captivate collectors and historians for generations to come.
FAQs
This coin holds historical importance as the first U.S. dollar ever minted. Its rarity, exceptional condition, and provenance make it a prized numismatic treasure.
It is estimated that only 130-150 of the original 1,758 minted have survived, and very few exist in high grades.
While the owner has insured it for $15 million, no official auction announcement has been made. However, if it does go to auction, it could set new records.