It is the first dollar coin minted by the United States and, as such, it occupies a most unique slot in the numismatic history: the 1794 Flowing Hair silver dollar.
Recently, the highest known example of this coin improved on its grading change, further deepening its status as a numismatic treasure.
Recent Grading Upgrade
This particular 1794 dollar was always sold in the year 1995 at the auction held by Stack’s as a Gem Brilliant Uncirculated coin. In 2010, it was graded MS66+ by the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS), receiving a CAC sticker of approval.
Recently, appraisers at CAC Grading revisited the coin and graded it as Mint State 67 (MS-67), pronouncing it the best surviving example known from the first year of dollar coinage in the United States.
The coin is now $15 million insured before it might actually see public eyes in 2025, after almost 30 years.
Historical Provenance
The coin’s provenance begins in the 1920s and was eventually owned by the well-known collector Col. E.H.R. Green and later also mid-century by the legendary type set collector Leland Rogers.
It was purchased in 1995 for $577,500 by dealer Jay Parrino. The following year, it was sold by Parrino and partner Mike Phillips to dealer Chris Napolitano for a Georgia collector, who remains anonymous under the set registry name “Stellar.”
Owner’s Perspective:
Almost three decades of private ownership have certainly accumulated a lot of personal history with this coin. Then again, this was more than just another deal finalized in 1996 between client and dealer by Chris Napolitano. His client has indeed been pleased that the results of the recent grading have validated what he has long known of this coin: that it possesses exceptional quality in all with which it is associated.
“Since I first saw this coin at Stack’s in 1995, I felt it was one of the most important U.S. coins in existence,” Napolitano emphasized, adding that it made the coin all the more important in its meaning over time.
Auction Descriptions:
The 1995 Stack’s auction described the coin as:
“1794 Blender 1. Gem Brilliant Uncirculated. 416.1 grains. A gorgeous toned satin gem coin. Both sides are toned a lovely, deep coin silver gray with iridescent champagne and palest iridescent blue around the rims.
The fields are fully lustrous and satiny, the frosting virtually unmarred by signs of handling. To keep such a big and heavy coin for 200 years with satiny surfaces intact, one has to wonder how that might have happened.”
| Year | Event | Grade | Price | Owner |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1995 | Stack’s Auction | Gem Brilliant Uncirculated | $577,500 | Jay Parrino |
| 1996 | Private Sale | – | – | Chris Napolitano’s client |
| 2010 | PCGS Grading | MS66+ | – | Anonymous (“Stellar”) |
| 2025 | CAC Grading | MS-67 | Insured for $15 million | Anonymous (“Stellar”) |
The historical significance and unprecedented characteristics or qualities associated with the 1794 Flowing Hair silver dollar are underscored by its recent grading upgrade to MS-67.
As the finest known example of America’s first dollar coin, it remains a reflection of the heritage of the nation in terms of riches in numismatics.
In pristine condition, an 1794 Flowing Hair Silver Dollar can be worth tremendous amounts, maybe millions! There are many chances to find secret treasures, collect profits, or make a major investment-whether it’s a rare 2006 nickel with an error or an IRS tax credit.
Knowing how to identify rare coins and where to use them for credits allows both collectors and average people to gain financially. Be alert, keep an eye out for cashable finds, and always calculate the worth of your treasures!
FAQS:
Who holds this coin at this time?
The coin belongs to an anonymous collector who has owned it under the set registry name of “Stellar” since 1996.
Will the coin be exhibited to the public?
There is a possibility that this coin could see its first public exhibition in 30 years sometime in 2025, but dates and locations have not yet been announced.
How much is the coin insured for?
Currently, the coin is insured for $15 million, given its exceptional grade and historical importance.