Lot 887
Flowing Hair Dollar. 1794. PCGS graded Fine-12 B-1, BB-1. R.4. The 1794 dollar is one of the most intriguing, elusive and historically significant coins in American numismatics! For over 100 years, the appearance of a 1794 dollar at auction has been a notable moment and that spirit and enthusiasm continues today. Only 1,758 pieces were struck and it is estimated that approximately 130 or so exist in all grades today. The present specimen exhibits the typical strike weakness that M.H. Bolender commented on in 1950, stating "Usually found with the impression weak on lower part of date and the stars on left, and sometimes the border milling on left does not show up". This weakness most likely occurring from the dies becoming misaligned after the intial 1794 copper trial piece (which we proudly sold as Lot # 153 of our Benson Sale in February 2001) and first few dollars were produced.
Surfaces have an aged, antique silver appearance and possess the faintest hints of gun-metal blue and magenta toning in the fields. As stated earlier, the weakness on the left stars is expected and the individual stars, while faint, are all still visible. The quality of the surfaces is fantastic for a 1794 dollar! There are no obverse adjustment marks at all and two old, dull scratches in front of the neck are the only marks to speak of. Even wear has discolored the high points to a pleasing light gray and makes Liberty stand out in relief to the rest of the surfaces. The reverse has 4 old remnants of adjustment marks at the rim by the ES of STATES. A soft rim bruise above the E of AMERICA. An old "V" shaped scratch comes off the middle of the eagle's neck. Superbly original and choice. Housed in an old green label PCGS holder. We are certain there will be many eager buyers chasing after this American Classic (PCGS # 6851) .
Estimated Value $30,000 - 40,000.
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| Realized $80,500 |
