Flowing Hair dollar

Flowing Hair dollar
United States of America
Value1 Dollar United States dollar
Mass26.96 g (416 gr)
Diameter39–40 mm (1.53–1.57 in)
EdgeLettered
Composition
Years of minting1794–1795
Obverse
DesignBust of Liberty
DesignerRobert Scot
Design date1794
Reverse
DesignEagle surrounded by wreath
DesignerRobert Scot
Design date1794

The Flowing Hair dollar was the first dollar coin issued by the United States federal government. The coin was minted in 1794 and 1795; its size and weight were based on the Spanish dollar, which was popular in trade throughout the Americas.

In 1791, following a study by Alexander Hamilton, Congress passed a joint resolution calling for the establishment of a national mint. Later that year, in his third State of the Union address, President George Washington urged Congress to provide for a mint, which was officially authorized by the Coinage Act of 1792. Despite the authorization, silver and gold coins were not struck until 1794. The Flowing Hair dollar, designed by Robert Scot, was initially produced in 1794, and again in 1795. In October 1795 the design was replaced by the Draped Bust dollar.