Price Guide for 1794 Dollar Variants
This guide presents price ranges for variants from three sources: eBay sales, third-party auctions, and PCGS guides. Values are shown for various conditions, allowing collectors to compare across different market segments. Price estimates may vary between sources, especially for rarer variants.
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $217.50 – $910,625.00Uncirculated: $2,000.00 – $2,820,000.00
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eBayUncirculated: $99.00 – $2,657.97
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $75,000.00 – $1,100,000.00Uncirculated: $1,250,000.00 – $7,500,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $506,000.00 – $10,016,875.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $13,500,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $16,500.00 – $840,000.00Uncirculated: $4,993,750.00 – $6,600,000.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $75,000.00 – $1,100,000.00Uncirculated: $1,250,000.00 – $7,500,000.00
Design and Specifications of the 1794 Dollar
The 1794 Flowing Hair Silver Dollar holds immense historical significance as it represents the first silver dollar ever struck by the United States Mint. This coin was minted shortly after the establishment of the U.S. Mint in 1792, marking a crucial step in the young nation’s monetary independence. The Flowing Hair design, featuring Liberty with flowing hair on the obverse and an eagle on the reverse, symbolizes the freedom and strength of the new republic.
| Weight | 26.96 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 39-40 mm |
| Mint Marks | No mint mark (Philadelphia) |
| Composition | 89.24% silver, 10.76% copper |
| Obverse Design | Flowing Hair Liberty, designed by Robert Scot |
| Reverse Design | Eagle with spread wings surrounded by wreath, designed by Robert Scot |
Rarity Factors and Value Drivers
The condition of a 1794 Silver Dollar has a profound impact on its value. Due to its extreme rarity and historical significance, even heavily worn examples command six-figure prices. Coins in higher grades can easily reach seven or eight-figure sums. The strike quality is particularly important, as many 1794 dollars were weakly struck due to technical difficulties during the minting process.
Surface preservation is crucial, with original luster and minimal contact marks greatly enhancing value. Toning can also play a significant role, with attractive, natural toning often increasing desirability among collectors.
Mintage: 1,758
Rarity Scale: Very Rare
Circulation Status: Limited Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Extremely rare in any grade, with only about 150 known to exist. Specimens in Mint State are exceedingly rare and highly prized.
Varieties Errors: BB-1, the only known die variety for this year
Market Demand: High, with intense competition among collectors and investors for any available specimens
Several factors contribute to the extraordinary value of the 1794 Silver Dollar:
1. Historical Significance: As the first silver dollar minted by the U.S., it holds immense numismatic and historical importance.
2. Extreme Rarity: With only about 150 known examples from an original mintage of 1,758, every specimen is a treasure.
3. Pedigree: The provenance or ownership history can significantly impact value, especially for well-documented specimens owned by famous collectors.
4. Strike Quality: Examples with strong, well-defined strikes are particularly valuable due to the known striking difficulties.
5. Die State: Early die state examples, showing crisp details before die wear, are highly prized.
These factors combine to make the 1794 Silver Dollar one of the most valuable and sought-after coins in American numismatics, with top specimens realizing prices over $10 million at auction.
