The Flowing Hair Dollar was the first silver dollar issued by the United States of America. The design was used for only two years from 1794 to 1795. Both coins were minted at the Philadelphia Mint. The 1794 is extremely rare with a mintage of only 1,758. The 1795 is relatively easier to find with a mintage of 160,295, but it is still difficult to locate in higher grades.


The Flowing Hair Dollar was authorized under the Coinage Act of 1792. This famous act established the United States Mint and regulated the coinage of the United States. The dollar was designated as the unit of currency, and the production of ten different coins was stipulated. This included half cents, cents, half dismes, dismes, quarter dollars, dollars, quarter eagles, half eagles, and eagles.

Flowing Hair Silver Dollars were designed by Robert Scot. The obverse features the head of Liberty, facing right. There are thirteen stars surrounding, the word "Liberty" above, and the date below. The reverse of the coin features an eagle with its wings spread and a wreath surrounding. An inscription reads "United States of America". The denomination actually appears on the edge of the coin as "Hundred Cents One Dollar or Unit".

Due to the low mintages and historical status as the first silver dollar, the Flowing Hair Dollars series is an important one. This site provides some further information on the series, mintages, and a selection of coins for sale.