The Flowing Hair silver dollar of 1794 is an important part in the history of numismatics because it was the first dollar coin produced under the United States.
Recently, its highest graded example of that coin received a very high upgrade in grading that further solidified its place as a numismatic treasure.
Recent Grading Upgrade
This 1794 dollar was sold at a Stack’s auction in 1995 as a Gem Brilliant Uncirculated coin. In 2010, it was graded by the Professional Coin Grading Service as MS66+ and awarded the Certified Acceptance Corporation sticker of approval.
Recently, experts at CAC Grading revised the coin’s grade and certified it as Mint State 67 (MS-67), realizing it was the finest known surviving example from the inaugural year of U.S. dollar coinage.
The coin is now insured for $5 million and may make its first public appearance in 30 years during 2025.
Historical Provenance
The coin’s pedigree dates back to the 1920s with renowned collector Col. E.H.R. Green and later, mid-century legendary type set collector LeAlan Rogers.
In 1995, dealer Jay Parrino purchased it for $577,500. The following year, Parrino and partner Mike Phillips sold it to dealer Chris Napolitano for a Georgia collector, who remains anonymous under the set registry name “Stellar.”
Owner’s Perspective
The current owner has kept the coin in private hands for nearly three decades. Chris Napolitano, who arranged the 1996 sale, said his buyer was satisfied with the latest grading of the coin, which confirmed what he’d believed for years: this was a really special piece.
Napolitano explained why the coin is so important: “Since I first looked at this coin at Stack’s in 1995, I believed it to be one of the most important U.S. coins in existence.”
Auction Description
This coin was described by the 1995 Stack’s auction as follows:
“1794 Bolender 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 completely lustrous and satiny, the frost almost untouched by any signs of handling. It makes one wonder how such a large and heavy coin could survive 200 years with such satiny surfaces unbroken.
| 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 $5 million | Anonymous (“Stellar”) |
The recent grading upgrade of the 1794 Flowing Hair silver dollar to MS-67 has established it as the finest known coin in the world, and a piece of great historical significance.
As the finest known example of America’s first dollar coin, it stands as a testament to the nation’s rich numismatic heritage.
FAQS:
Who owns this coin currently?
The coin is owned by a collector who remains anonymous under the set registry name “Stellar” and has held it privately since 1996.
Will the coin be publicly displayed?
There is a possibility that the coin may be released into public view for the first time in 30 years during 2025, though dates and venues are yet to be announced.
How much is the coin insured for?
The coin is currently insured for $5 million, considering its exceptional grade and historical importance.