1795 Flowing Hair Dollar : A dusty box in a New England attic has led to one of the most remarkable numismatic discoveries in recent years — a forgotten 1795 Flowing Hair Silver Dollar has sold at auction for a jaw-dropping $840,000, sparking renewed interest in early American coinage.
A Piece of America’s Monetary Birth
The 1795 Flowing Hair dollar is among the first silver dollars ever struck by the U.S. Mint, representing the infancy of the nation’s coinage. Designed by engraver Robert Scot, the obverse features a portrait of Lady Liberty with long, flowing hair, symbolizing freedom, while the reverse showcases a majestic eagle encircled by a wreath.
Minted just two years after the Coinage Act of 1792, these early dollars were produced in very limited numbers using primitive technology, making well-preserved examples exceedingly rare — especially with full detail and minimal wear.
From Attic Dust to Auction Spotlight
The coin was discovered earlier this year by Sarah Langston, who was helping clean out her late grandfather’s colonial-era home in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. “There was an old tin box under a floorboard in the attic,” she recalled. “Inside were letters, a locket, and what looked like an old silver coin wrapped in a handkerchief.”
Unaware of its significance, Langston took the coin to a local antique dealer, who immediately suspected it could be valuable. After professional authentication by PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service), the coin was confirmed as a 1795 Flowing Hair dollar, Three Leaves variety, graded AU55 — a rare find in such exceptional condition.
Auction Frenzy
Once listed with prestigious auction house Stack’s Bowers Galleries, the buzz around the coin grew quickly. Early estimates placed its value between $250,000 and $400,000, but as the bidding began, it was clear the market had other plans.
After a fierce bidding war between private collectors and institutions, the final hammer price soared to $840,000, including buyer’s premium — one of the highest prices ever paid for a 1795 Flowing Hair dollar.
“This coin checks every box: rarity, history, provenance, and condition,” said Brian Kendrell, lead numismatist at Stack’s Bowers. “It’s not just a collectible — it’s a tangible piece of American heritage.”
Why Flowing Hair Dollars Are So Coveted
Flowing Hair dollars were only produced for two years: 1794 and 1795. The 1794 version is especially famous, with one example selling in 2013 for over $10 million, making it the most expensive coin ever sold. But the 1795 issues — while more numerous — are still incredibly rare, especially in grades above Very Fine.
Notable varieties include:
- Three Leaves and Two Leaves (referring to the number of leaves under the eagle’s wings)
- Centered vs. Off-Center Bust
- Silver Plug variants (where a plug of silver was added to meet weight requirements)
Collectors prize these coins for their beauty, scarcity, and historical significance as some of the first circulating silver dollars of the United States.
A Life-Changing Discovery
Langston, the coin’s finder, says the proceeds from the auction will go toward paying off student loans and helping her parents retire. “I never imagined an old coin could change my life,” she said. “I’m just grateful we didn’t throw the box out during spring cleaning.”
A Reminder to Check the Past
This incredible discovery is a reminder that history often hides in plain sight — in attics, basements, and old family heirlooms. For collectors, it reignites the thrill of the hunt and the enduring allure of early American coinage.
Whether you’re a seasoned numismatist or just a curious beginner, this story proves that a forgotten piece of silver can sometimes be worth a fortune — and a chapter in history.