The 1795 $1 Silver Flowing Hair Dollar is a historic and valuable coin that many collectors love. This coin is important because it was the first dollar coin made by the United States Mint. Its Flowing Hair design is famous in early American history. In this guide, we will explore the history, design, rarity, and value of the 1795 $1 Silver Flowing Hair 3 Leaves BB-27, B-5 variety, which is graded NGC VF30.
Historical Context
The U.S. Mint produced the Flowing Hair dollar for the first time in 1794, just after the Mint was created. This event was a big deal for the young nation, as it was an important step in creating a united currency.
The 1795 Flowing Hair dollar was made at the Philadelphia Mint and is part of a short series that ran from 1794 to 1795. After this, the Mint switched to the Draped Bust design. The production of these early dollars was inspired by the Coinage Act of 1792, which called for different types of coins, including the dollar.
| Year | Coin Type | Mint Location | Series Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1794 | Flowing Hair Dollar | Philadelphia Mint | 1794-1795 |
| 1795 | Flowing Hair Dollar | Philadelphia Mint | 1794-1795 |
The Flowing Hair Design
The Flowing Hair design was created by Robert Scot, the first Chief Engraver of the U.S. Mint. This design is simple but beautiful, showing Liberty’s profile facing right. Her flowing hair represents freedom and youth. Surrounding her are 15 stars, representing the original 13 colonies plus two stars for Vermont and Kentucky, which joined the Union by 1795. Below Liberty, you can see the date 1795.
On the back of the coin, there is an eagle with its wings spread, surrounded by a wreath. Above the eagle is the inscription “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.” There are two main types of reverses for this coin: the Two Leaves and Three Leaves varieties. The BB-27, B-5 variety we are discussing features the Three Leaves reverse.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Obverse Design | Profile of Liberty with flowing hair |
| Stars on Obverse | 15 stars for original 13 colonies + 2 states |
| Reverse Design | Eagle with outstretched wings and a wreath |
| Reverse Types | Two Leaves and Three Leaves varieties |
Understanding the BB-27, B-5 Variety
The 1795 Flowing Hair dollar has several varieties, depending on small differences in the dies used to make the coins. The BB-27 (B-5) variety is recognized by how the leaves are arranged below the eagle’s wings on the reverse side of the coin.
- BB-27 (B-5): This variety has three leaves under each of the eagle’s wings. Also, the eagle’s tail touches the wreath, which is a unique feature of this variety.
- The BB-27 name comes from the book “Silver Dollars & Trade Dollars of the United States: A Complete Encyclopedia” by Q. David Bowers. The B-5 refers to another early study on Flowing Hair dollars.
| Variety | Description |
|---|---|
| BB-27 | Three Leaves; eagle’s tail touches wreath |
| B-5 | From Bolen reference; part of BB-27 type |
This specific variety is rarer than the BB-21 Two Leaves version, making it highly sought after by collectors.
Grading and Condition – NGC VF30
When talking about rare coins like the 1795 Flowing Hair dollar, grading is very important for knowing its value and appeal. The Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC) is a trusted service that grades coins based on their condition.
The VF30 (Very Fine 30) grade shows that the coin has some wear but still looks nice and clear. Details of Liberty’s hair and the eagle’s feathers may be worn, but the overall image remains strong and easy to see. Coins graded VF30 are still very collectible and can be worth a lot, especially because of their rarity.
| Grade | Description | Value Range |
|---|---|---|
| VF30 | Moderate wear; clear design | $15,000 to $25,000+ |
| AU | About Uncirculated; higher detail | Higher than VF30 |
| MS | Mint State; best condition | Highest prices |
Rarity and Value
The 1795 Flowing Hair dollar, especially the BB-27, B-5 variety, is a rare coin. The U.S. Mint made around 160,295 silver dollars in 1795, but not all were the BB-27, B-5 type. Many coins from this time have been lost, melted down, or damaged, leaving very few in good condition today.
Coins graded VF30 by NGC are considered quite rare. The value of a 1795 BB-27, B-5 Flowing Hair dollar can change based on the coin’s grade, rarity, and the current demand in the coin market. Typically, VF30 examples sell for about $15,000 to $25,000, depending on the sale circumstances and collector interest.
| Factor | Description |
|---|---|
| Rarity | Fewer surviving examples; BB-27 is rarer |
| Condition | VF30 shows wear but still collectible |
| Market Demand | Prices fluctuate based on collector interest |
| Historical Significance | Important early American coin |
Factors Affecting Value
Several factors can influence the value of the 1795 $1 Silver Flowing Hair 3 Leaves BB-27, B-5:
- Rarity: The BB-27, B-5 coin is rarer than other 1795 dollars, especially the Two Leaves type.
- Condition: VF30 graded coins have visible wear but keep enough detail to be valuable. Higher-grade coins (like AU or MS) can sell for even more.
- Market Demand: The rare coin market can go up and down based on how much collectors and investors are interested. As collecting rare coins becomes more popular, the demand for historic coins has increased, leading to higher prices.
- Historical Significance: The 1795 Flowing Hair dollar is one of the most important coins in early American history. Its rarity and beauty make it very desirable for collectors.
Investing in Rare Coins
Owning a 1795 Flowing Hair dollar is like holding a piece of American history. Coins from this time, especially ones in good condition like the BB-27, B-5 NGC VF30, are expected to gain value over time because they are rare and in demand. These coins are often seen as a good investment because they have both historical importance and the chance to provide a good financial return.
| Investment Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Historical Value | Represents early American coinage history |
| Potential Appreciation | Expected to increase in value over time |
| Collectibility | Highly sought after by collectors |
Conclusion
The 1795 $1 Silver Flowing Hair 3 Leaves BB-27, B-5 NGC VF30 is an important and rare coin. As one of the first silver dollars minted by the United States, it represents the early efforts of the young nation to create a currency system. The BB-27, B-5 variety, with its unique three-leaf design on the reverse, is especially desired by collectors, and its value remains strong.
With a VF30 grade, this coin is a nice balance between wear and preservation, making it appealing for both seasoned collectors and newcomers. Whether you are interested in its historical background, design, or investment potential, the 1795 Flowing Hair dollar is a fascinating piece of American numismatic history.
FAQs
What makes the 1795 $1 Flowing Hair Dollar so valuable?
The 1795 Flowing Hair dollar is highly valuable due to its historical significance as one of the first silver dollars minted by the U.S. Mint.
What is the difference between the BB-27 and other varieties of the 1795 Flowing Hair Dollar?
The BB-27, B-5 variety is distinguished by three leaves under each of the eagle’s wings on the reverse of the coin.
How does the grade VF30 affect the value of the 1795 Flowing Hair Dollar?
A coin graded VF30 (Very Fine 30) shows moderate wear but retains enough detail to be desirable.
How many 1795 Flowing Hair dollars were minted, and how rare is the BB-27 variety?
Approximately 160,295 Flowing Hair dollars were minted in 1795, but the exact number of BB-27, B-5 varieties is unknown.