Are you curious about rare coins and hidden treasures from history? Then you’ll find something truly interesting in the 1794 Flowing Hair Dollar with a silver plug. This coin is not just old – it’s unique, valuable, and has a story that takes us back to the beginning of coin making in the United States.
In this article, we’ll talk about what makes this coin so special. We’ll explain what the silver plug is and why it was used. You’ll learn why collectors and historians find this coin fascinating. So, let’s take a step into the past and explore one of the rarest coins ever made in America.
What is the 1794 Flowing Hair Dollar
The 1794 Flowing Hair Dollar is one of the first official silver one-dollar coins made by the United States Mint. It was created just after the U.S. began producing its own money. The name Flowing Hair comes from the design – a picture of Lady Liberty with long, flowing hair on the coin’s front side.
This coin was made in Philadelphia in 1794. That year, only around 1,758 of these coins were made. Not many of them still exist today. Because it’s one of the first dollar coins made in the country, it holds a very special place in American history.
Why is the Silver Plug Dollar So Unique
Now, here’s where it gets even more interesting. Some of these original 1794 dollars were made with a small piece of silver added into the center. This is called a silver plug. So, what is that and why did they do it?
Back in 1794, the technology used to make coins was not so perfect. Sometimes, a coin would not have the correct amount of silver. To fix this, the Mint added a bit of extra silver into the middle of the coin. Because of this, only a few coins with this silver plug exist – and they are considered extremely rare today.
How Many of These Coins Exist Today
While about 1,758 Flowing Hair Dollars were made in total in 1794, only a small number are left now. And when it comes to the silver plug version, only one confirmed coin of this type has been found. Yes, just one in the whole world.
That makes this coin truly one-of-a-kind. Because of its rarity, it has become a top item for coin collectors. Owning this piece is like owning a piece of the very early days of America.
How Much is the Silver Plug Flowing Hair Dollar Worth
This coin is not just rare – it’s also hugely valuable. The one known Flowing Hair Dollar with a silver plug has sold at auctions for more than $10 million. That’s right – over ten million dollars for just one coin.
Its high value is because of three things: it’s one of the first dollars ever made in the U.S., it’s extremely rare because of the silver plug, and it carries deep historical value that no other coin can match.
The Design of the Coin
Let’s talk a bit about how the coin looks. On the front side of the coin, you’ll see Lady Liberty with her long hair flowing behind her, which is why it’s called the Flowing Hair Dollar. The word LIBERTY appears above her head, and the date 1794 is below.
On the back of the coin, there is an eagle surrounded by a wreath. Around the edge, the words UNITED STATES OF AMERICA are written. There is no face value marked, but it was known to be worth one dollar at the time.
Why Collectors Love This Coin
Coin collectors, also known as numismatists, love this coin for many reasons. First, it marks the beginning of U.S. coin history. It’s like the starting point of the American currency journey.
Second, its design is both simple and beautiful. And third, the silver plug adds to the mystery. Not many people know why it was added, making it a real conversation starter.
Also, its condition is excellent for a coin from 1794. That’s why collectors and museums are willing to pay a large amount to own this unique item.
Where Is the Coin Now
The only known Flowing Hair Dollar with the silver plug is now held in a private collection. In the past, it has been part of different auctions and collections. It’s displayed sometimes in coin shows and exhibitions, especially events that highlight the history of U.S. currency.
Its presence at such shows draws large crowds, as many people want to see up close what a more than 10 million dollar coin looks like.
How to Spot a Real 1794 Flowing Hair Dollar
Be careful though – not every coin from 1794 is the same, and fake versions do exist. Real coins from this year are very rare. If you think you have one or see one for sale, it’s best to have it checked by a professional coin grading service. They can tell if it’s real and in what condition it is.
Especially for the silver plug coin, the metal in the middle looks a bit different from the rest of the coin. That’s one way to tell it apart.
Final Thoughts on This Rare Coin
The 1794 Flowing Hair Dollar with silver plug is more than just an old coin. It’s a part of American history. It tells the story of how the country started making its own money and the ways the early Mint workers solved problems with technology at the time.
For collectors, historians, and even new coin lovers, learning about this coin is like taking a quick trip back in time. It reminds us how far we’ve come – from coins with silver plugs to today’s high-tech minting systems.
If you’re interested in history or just love unique items, this coin is one of the best examples of a true hidden treasure.
