To honor the 230th anniversary of the first-ever U.S. dollar, the United States Mint is releasing a special Flowing Hair Silver Medal. This limited-edition medal is a modern reproduction of the iconic 1794 Flowing Hair dollar, designed by Robert Scot, the first Chief Engraver of the U.S. Mint.
Collectors and history enthusiasts alike are eager to acquire this historic piece, which highlights a major milestone in U.S. numismatic history.
The Iconic Flowing Hair Design: A Nod to History
The original Flowing Hair dollar was first issued on October 15, 1794, and was minted only in 1794 and 1795 before the Draped Bust dollar replaced it. Scot’s design features Lady Liberty with flowing hair, surrounded by 15 stars representing the states that had ratified the U.S. Constitution by 1794.
The reverse side depicts an eagle encircled by a laurel wreath, a precursor to the heraldic eagle design that would later be used on U.S. coinage.
The 230th Anniversary Flowing Hair Silver Medal remains true to this original design. It showcases Liberty’s iconic profile on the obverse, with a “2024” date mark to signify its modern reproduction. The reverse retains the original eagle and laurel wreath motif, encapsulating the spirit of early American coinage.
Medal Specifications
The Flowing Hair Silver Medal is crafted from 1 troy ounce of 99.9% pure silver, with a diameter of 1.598 inches (40.60 mm). The medal features a plain edge and is produced at the Philadelphia Mint, although it does not carry a mint mark. One of the highlights of this release is the limited mintage, with only 75,000 pieces available for sale for $104 each.
Adding to the medal’s collectibility, 1,794 of these pieces will include a special “230” privy mark, symbolizing the anniversary. Of those, 230 will come with a certificate of authenticity signed by U.S. Mint Director Ventris C. Gibson.
| Flowing Hair Silver Medal Details | Specifications |
|---|---|
| Composition | 99.9% Silver |
| Weight | 1 troy ounce |
| Diameter | 1.598 inches (40.60 mm) |
| Mintage | 75,000 |
| Privy Mark | “230” on 1,794 medals |
| Price | $104 |
| Edge | Plain |
| Mint | Philadelphia – no mint mark |
| Release Date | October 23, 2024, Noon ET |
How to Order
The 230th Anniversary Flowing Hair Silver Medal will be available for purchase directly from the United States Mint, starting at noon ET on October 23, 2024. Interested buyers can visit the Mint’s online store to place their orders. Due to the anticipated demand, the U.S. Mint has set a household order limit of one medal per customer to ensure wider availability.
In addition to the silver medal, the U.S. Mint will release a 230th Anniversary Flowing Hair High Relief Gold Coin on November 14, 2024. Struck from 24-karat gold at the West Point Mint, this coin will have a limited mintage of just 17,500 pieces, further cementing its status as a highly sought-after collectible.
The launch of the 230th Anniversary Flowing Hair Silver Medal is a monumental event in the world of coin collecting. It offers a modern homage to one of the most iconic designs in U.S. numismatic history. With its limited mintage and historical significance, this silver medal is expected to be a prized possession among collectors for years to come.
FAQs
1. What is the Flowing Hair Silver Medal made of?
The medal is composed of 1 troy ounce of 99.9% pure silver.
2. How many Flowing Hair Silver Medals will be minted?
The U.S. Mint will produce only 75,000 medals, with 1,794 featuring a special “230” privy mark.
3. How much does the Flowing Hair Silver Medal cost?
The medal is priced at $104.
4. Will there be any special editions of the Flowing Hair Silver Medal?
Yes, 1,794 medals will feature a “230” privy mark, and 230 of those will include a certificate of authenticity signed by U.S. Mint Director Ventris C. Gibson.
5. Where can I purchase the Flowing Hair Silver Medal?
The medal will be available for purchase on the U.S. Mint’s official online store starting at noon ET on October 23, 2024.
References
- U.S. Mint Official Website
- Coin World
- Numismatic News
- PCGS Price Guide