Finding a 1795 Flowing Hair Dollar in the Wild: A Cherry Picker’s Guide

Introduction: The Thrill of the Hunt

You don’t always need a dealer to find treasures like this. Here is what to look for when searching through circulation or bulk lots.

As a roll hunter and cherry picker, I’ve spent countless hours sifting through bank rolls, estate sales, and bulk coin lots in search of hidden gems. The recent theft of a 1795 Flowing Hair dollar PCGS AU-55 serves as a stark reminder of just how valuable these early American coins can be—and how they can sometimes be hiding in plain sight.

Historical Significance of the 1795 Flowing Hair Dollar

The 1795 Flowing Hair dollar represents the very first year of official silver dollar production by the United States Mint. These coins were struck during the infancy of our nation, when Philadelphia was the nation’s capital and the Mint was still establishing its operations.

Designed by Robert Scot, the Flowing Hair design features Lady Liberty with flowing locks on the obverse, while the reverse displays a small eagle perched on a rock, surrounded by a wreath. The coin’s composition is 89.2% silver and 10.8% copper, with a diameter of 39-40mm and a weight of 27 grams.

Only about 160,295 of these dollars were minted in 1795, making them highly sought after by collectors. The PCGS AU-55 grade mentioned in the theft case indicates the coin is in About Uncirculated condition—showing light wear on the highest points but retaining much of its original mint luster.

Identifying Key Markers

When hunting for valuable coins in circulation or bulk lots, knowing what to look for is essential. For early dollars like the 1795 Flowing Hair, several key markers distinguish them:

• Date and Design: The date “1795” should be clearly visible below the bust of Liberty. The flowing hair design is distinctive with its LIBERTY inscription above the portrait.
• Edge Lettering: Early dollars have lettered edges reading “HUNDRED CENTS ONE DOLLAR OR UNIT”—a feature impossible to see without removing the coin from any holder.
• Die Varieties: The 1795 Flowing Hair dollar exists in several die varieties, including the Two Leaves, Three Leaves, and Silver Plug varieties. The Three Leaves variety is the most common.
• Weight and Size: While you won’t be weighing coins in circulation, knowing that genuine specimens should weigh approximately 27 grams can help identify counterfeits.

Circulation Finds and Where to Look

While finding a genuine 1795 dollar in circulation is extraordinarily unlikely, similar valuable coins can still be discovered. Here are the best places to search:

Bank Rolls

Half dollars and dollar coins from banks occasionally yield surprising finds. Pre-1971 half dollars contain 40% silver (1965-1970) or 90% silver (1964 and earlier). Even modern issues can be valuable in high grades or with mint errors.

Estate Sales and Garage Sales

Older collections often surface at estate sales, particularly in areas with long-established communities. Look for:

• Old coin albums or folders
• Small boxes or containers of “old money”
• Collections passed down through generations

Bulk Lots and Accumulations

Online auctions and coin shows frequently feature bulk lots. These can be gold mines for cherry pickers willing to sort through mixed accumulations. Focus on:

• Pre-1965 silver coins
• Coins with unusual toning or appearance
• Coins that “look different” from the rest

Cherry Picking Varieties

Variety collecting has become increasingly popular, and many valuable varieties can still be found in circulation. Some key varieties to watch for include:

Lincoln Cent Doubled Dies

Several doubled die varieties exist for Lincoln cents, including the famous 1955 doubled die. More recent finds like the 1972 doubled die and various 1990s doubled dies can still be discovered.

State Quarter Errors

Extra leaf varieties on Wisconsin quarters (2004) and other state quarter errors have sold for hundreds or thousands of dollars. These often require magnification to identify properly.

Modern Errors

Off-center strikes, wrong planchet errors, and other mint mistakes continue to appear in circulation. These can range from minor to spectacular and command significant premiums.

Authentication and Grading

If you believe you’ve found something valuable, proper authentication is crucial. The 1795 dollar theft highlights why professional grading services like PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service) and NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Corporation) are essential for valuable coins.

For coins worth potentially thousands of dollars, having them authenticated by PCGS, NGC, or ANACS provides:

• Guaranteed authenticity
• Professional grading assessment
• Encapsulation for protection
• Established market value

Shipping and Security Considerations

The theft of the 1795 dollar raises important questions about shipping valuable coins. Based on the forum discussion, several best practices emerge:

“I like to wrap any slab with a chip in it with foil before I ship. This prevents the chip from being scanned. Another option is to have packaging thick enough to where the device can’t detect the chip.”

Other security measures include:

• Using nondescript packaging without indicating contents
• Employing registered mail for high-value items
• Considering private delivery services for extremely valuable shipments
• Using foil wrapping to block RFID chips in modern slabs

Value Guide and Market Considerations

The PCGS price guide lists the 1795 Flowing Hair dollar at just under $50,000 in AU-55 condition. However, market values can vary based on:

• Eye appeal: Coins with attractive toning or exceptional strike quality command premiums
• CAC verification: Coins approved by Certified Acceptance Corporation (CAC) often sell for significant premiums
• Die variety: Certain die varieties are rarer and more desirable
• Market conditions: Precious metal prices and collector demand affect values

For cherry pickers, understanding these value factors helps identify which varieties and conditions offer the best potential returns.

Conclusion: The Continuing Appeal of Cherry Picking

While finding a 1795 Flowing Hair dollar in circulation remains a numismatic fairy tale, the practice of cherry picking continues to yield exciting discoveries. The theft discussed in this forum thread reminds us of both the value that can be hidden in ordinary places and the importance of proper security when dealing with rare coins.

Whether you’re searching bank rolls for silver, browsing estate sales for old collections, or carefully examining bulk lots at coin shows, the thrill of discovery remains one of numismatics’ greatest attractions. With knowledge, patience, and a keen eye, today’s cherry pickers continue to uncover treasures that have been hiding in plain sight for decades.

Remember to always handle potential finds carefully, research thoroughly before making purchases, and seek professional authentication for any items that appear genuinely valuable. Happy hunting!

Related Resources

You might also find these related articles helpful:

• Smart Buying Guide: How to Buy Edit Found Stolen 1795 Flowing Hair 1 PCGS AU-55 Stolen at USPS Without Getting Ripped Off – Understanding the 1795 Flowing Hair Dollar Market If you’re looking to add this iconic coin to your collection, yo…
• Crafting a 1795 Flowing Hair Dollar: Metal Composition and Jewelry Potential – Introduction: Not Every Coin Makes a Good Ring As a coin ring artisan, I’m often asked about transforming historic…
• Protecting Your Rare Coins: Expert Conservation Tips from the 1795 Flowing Hair Dollar Theft – The Conservationist’s Perspective on Coin Protection I’ve seen too many valuable pieces ruined by improper c…