A remarkable piece of American numismatic history has surfaced—a 1795 Flowing Hair Silver Dollar featuring a silver plug.
This rare coin, preserved by a Rhode Island family for over two centuries, is set to be auctioned on December 15, 2024, by GreatCollections, a California-based auction house. Experts estimate its value to exceed $100,000.
A Heirloom Passed Down For Generations
This coin has been a family treasure, passed down through seven generations. Remarkably, it was the sole heirloom that survived the family’s history.
The descendants, residing in Rhode Island and nearby Massachusetts, recently recognized the coin’s extraordinary rarity and value.
This personal connection adds a unique layer of historical significance, linking the modern world to the early days of the United States.
What Makes the Silver Plug Version So Rare?
In 1794 and 1795, the U.S. Mint occasionally added a silver plug—a small silver center—to underweight coin planchets to meet strict weight requirements for silver dollars. This meticulous process ensured global confidence in the new nation’s currency.
Only about 100 examples of silver-plugged 1795 silver dollars are known to exist, most of which are in heavily circulated condition.
The recently discovered coin is an exceptional find, ranking as tied-for-fourth finest graded by PCGS and tied-for-second finest with CAC approval.
A Window Into Early American Craftsmanship
These coins were crafted during an era of manual minting, requiring high precision to meet strict standards. “These early coins were struck by hand to an amazing level of quality,” noted Ian Russell, president of GreatCollections.
This was during a time when George Washington served as president, and Abraham Lincoln’s birth was still decades away.
The silver plug feature underscores the dedication to perfection, ensuring that each coin met the necessary weight to foster global trust in the fledgling nation’s currency.
Historic Auction
The December 15 auction of the 1795 Flowing Hair Silver Dollar with a silver plug is expected to attract significant attention from collectors and historians alike.
The coin not only represents a rare collectible but also offers a tangible connection to the early days of the United States.
| Feature | Description | Significance | Estimated Value | Auction Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Coin Type | 1795 Flowing Hair Silver Dollar with Silver Plug | One of the earliest silver dollars minted in the U.S. | Over $100,000 | December 15, 2024 |
| Grading | PCGS AU58, CAC Approved | Tied-for-fourth finest graded by PCGS; tied-for-second finest with CAC approval | ||
| Provenance | Preserved by a Rhode Island family for over 200 years | Passed down through seven generations | ||
| Rarity | Approximately 100 known examples, most in heavily circulated condition | Exceptional find in near-mint condition |
The discovery of this silver dollar is a rare event that bridges the past and present, offering a glimpse into the meticulous craftsmanship and history of early American coinage.
Its journey through seven generations makes it a remarkable symbol of both personal and national heritage, ensuring its place as a highly coveted artifact in numismatic history.
FAQs
1. What is a silver plug in a 1795 silver dollar?
A silver plug is a small silver center added to underweight coin planchets during minting to meet strict weight requirements for silver dollars. This process ensured the coins met the necessary standards for circulation.
2. How rare is a 1795 Flowing Hair Silver Dollar with a silver plug?
Approximately 100 examples of silver-plugged 1795 silver dollars are known to exist, most of which are in heavily circulated condition. The recently discovered coin is an exceptional find, ranking as tied-for-fourth finest graded by PCGS and tied-for-second finest with CAC approval.
3. Why is the upcoming auction of this coin significant?
The auction offers collectors and historians a rare opportunity to acquire a piece of early American history. The coin’s exceptional condition and unique features make it a highly coveted artifact in numismatic circles.
4. How can I participate in the auction?
For additional details about the auction or this extraordinary coin, visit GreatCollections or call 800-442-6467.
