10 Most Valuable Bust Dollars in 2024
Sep 20th, 2024 ·
Bust dollars, also sometimes called early dollars, collectively refer to both the Flowing Hair dollar (1794–1795) and the Draped Bust dollar (1795–1804). These were among the first silver dollars produced by the United States.
These coins are some of the rarest and most valuable United States dollar coins, mainly due to their immense historical significance. They represented an important period in U.S. coinage history and played a major role in establishing the U.S. dollar as the standard currency.
Robert Scot engraved Bust dollars. The Flowing Hair design features a youthful Lady Liberty with flowing hair on the obverse and an eagle perched on a wreath on the reverse.
The Draped Bust version depicts a more mature portrait of Lady Liberty with flowing hair on the obverse. The eagle design remained on the reverse until 1798, when it was replaced with a heraldic eagle instead.
If you own Bust dollars, consider getting a free coin appraisal online to determine their value.
You can also download our free instant value guide to see what your coins are worth.
Now let’s examine the 10 most valuable Bust dollars.
Table of Contents
1794 Flowing Hair Dollar
Year: 1794
Mint Location: Philadelphia
Mintage: 1,758
Price Based on Condition:
- Low: $35,000
- High: $10,000,000
Image Credit: USA Coin Book
At the top of our list is the 1794 Flowing Hair dollar, the very first silver dollar issued by the U.S. federal government. Production of these coins was authorized by the Coinage Act of 1792, but due to technical issues and silver shortages, production was delayed until 1794.
This coin is highly valuable due to its historical significance and rarity. With only 1,758 coins minted, estimates suggest that just 125–150 examples survive today.
A circulated 1794 Flowing Hair dollar is worth around $100,000, while mid-grade examples can fetch $1,000,000. In 2013, a pristine specimen set a world record by selling for $10,016,875, marking the first time a rare coin had surpassed $10 million at auction.
If you own rare silver dollars, be sure to check out our list of top Morgan silver coins for more valuable finds.
1804 Draped Bust Dollar (Class I)
Year: 1804
Mint Location: Philadelphia
Mintage: 15
Price Based on Condition:
- Low: $2,000,000
- High: $7,680,000
Image Credit: Professional Coin Grading Service
Often referred to as the “King of American Coins,” the 1804 Draped Bust dollar (Class I) has legendary status among coin collectors. Only eight of these coins are known to still exist today.
The year is deceiving because these coins were actually produced in 1834 under the direction of Chief Coiner Adam Eckfeldt. They were created as diplomatic gifts to foreign heads of state from President Andrew Jackson.
It’s hard to value these coins because so few exist today and their condition greatly differs. In 2021, one fine specimen sold for $7,680,000 at auction.
1795 Flowing Hair Dollar (Three Leaves)
Year: 1795
Mint Location: Philadelphia
Mintage: estimated between 160,295 and 290,000
Price Based on Condition:
- Low: $100,000
- High: $1,000,000+
Image Credit: Professional Coin Grading Service
Next up, we have the 1795 Flowing Hair dollar in the Three Leaves variety. While this is considered more common than other 1795 dollar varieties, it’s still exceptionally rare, especially in higher grades.
This variety features three leaves under the eagle’s wings on the reverse of the coin. It also depicts larger leaves, bigger stems, and a wider ribbon than the other varieties.
The auction record for this coin was $1,265,000 in 2005; however, the price can vary greatly depending on its condition. In heavily circulated condition, it can go for around $2,380.
If you’re curious about how to identify other rare silver coins, check out our guide on what to know about silver coins for helpful tips.
1801 Draped Bust Dollar
Year: 1801
Mint Location: Philadelphia
Mintage: 54,454
Price Based on Condition:
- Low: $1,100
- High: $350,000
Image Credit: Professional Coin Grading Service
The 1801 Draped Bust dollar is another highly sought-after Bust dollar. With a low mintage of 54,454, the rarity of this coin makes it highly valuable.
In average condition, this coin can sell for around $1,100 to $4,600, with the value jumping significantly for uncirculated specimens. The auction record for this coin was $329,000 in 2013.
1802 Draped Bust Dollar
Year: 1802
Mint Location: Philadelphia
Mintage: 41,650
Price Based on Condition:
- Low: $800
- High: $300,000
Image Credit: Professional Coin Grading Service
The 1802 Draped Bust dollar is another rare and elusive coin, partly due to its misguided mintage. The reported mintage is inaccurate from its actual mintage, which is estimated to be around 80,000.
Very few mint-condition examples of this coin survive today, which adds to its value. Its auction record sits at $300,000 from 2020. However, you can expect lower-grade coins to sell for around $1,000.
1796 Draped Bust Dollar
Year: 1796
Mint Location: Philadelphia
Mintage: 79,920
Price Based on Condition:
- Low: $750
- High: $300,000
Image Credit: Professional Coin Grading Service
As the first year of the Draped Bust variant, the 1796 issue is highly valuable and sought after. It’s rare in any condition, especially in uncirculated grades, which adds significant value to the coin.
There are three varieties of this coin, based on the size of the dates and letters. The auction record was set at $352,500 in 2013 for a small-date, large-letters variety. In circulated condition, this coin can be worth around $31,000 to $240,000, making it one of the most valuable circulated coins on this list.
1797 Draped Bust Dollar (9×7 Stars)
Year: 1797
Mint Location: Philadelphia
Mintage: 7,776
Price Based on Condition:
- Low: $750
- High: $300,000
Image Credit: Professional Coin Grading Service
The 1797 Draped Bust dollar is another rare U.S. coin. There are two varieties of this particular coin based on the size of the lettering.
The “9×7 stars” refers to the unique arrangement of stars on the obverse, where there are nine stars on the left side of Liberty’s portrait and seven on her right. This coin is highly valuable, with its auction record set at $381,875 in 2013.
1798 Draped Bust Dollar (Small Eagle)
Year: 1798
Mint Location: Philadelphia
Mintage: 327,536 (all varieties)
Price Based on Condition:
- Low: $750
- High: $250,000+
Image Credit: Professional Coin Grading Service
The 1798 Draped Bust dollar is another rare and valuable Bust dollar. In particular, the version that features a small eagle on the reverse instead of the later heraldic eagle is highly valuable and sought after.
It’s thought that only around 3% of such coins still exist today. Recently, auction prices have ranged from around $1,200 to $31,500, depending on condition. However, they have been known to sell for much more.
1799 Draped Bust Dollar
Year: 1799
Mint Location: Philadelphia
Mintage: 423,515
Price Based on Condition:
- Low: $750
- High: $400,000
Image Credit: Professional Coin Grading Service
The 1799 Draped Bust dollar Is another dollar coin worth money. This variant has one of the highest mintages on this list due to the U.S. mint increasing production for that year.
There are a few key varieties of this coin that add to its value. Keep an eye out for any overdates or differing star arrangements, as these factors could indicate some serious wealth.
1800 Draped Bust Dollar
Year: 1800
Mint Location: Philadelphia
Mintage: 220,920
Price Based on Condition:
- Low: $750
- High: $396,000
Image Credit: Professional Coin Grading Service
To round off our list, the 1800 Draped Bust dollar represents the turn of the century for U.S. coin production. This fact coupled with their rarity make these coins particularly sought after by collectors.
In average circulated condition, this coin can be worth around $1,445. In uncirculated condition, you’re looking at more than $13,600. The highest grades of these coins go for around $396,000.
How to Identify Valuable Dollar Bills and Coins
While Bust dollars are among the rarest and most valuable, other U.S. currency can also be worth significant money.
If you’re looking to expand your knowledge, check out our valuable dollar coins guide to explore other rare silver dollars. Additionally, you can identify valuable dollar bills to see if you have paper money that’s worth more than its face value.
Get a Free Appraisal for Your Bust Dollars
If you own a Bust dollar or another rare silver dollar, it’s essential to get an expert appraisal.
Coinfully offers a free coin appraisal online with no obligation, helping you understand the full value of your collection.
Conclusion
Bust dollars are some of the rarest and most valuable U.S. coins. If you own one, consider getting a free coin appraisal online or explore your options for zero-pressure coin selling to ensure you get the best value for your collection.
Sources/research:
- 1794 Flowing Hair Dollar
- 1804 Draped Bust Dollar (Class I)
- 1795 Flowing Hair Dollar (Three Leaves)
- 1801 Draped Bust Dollar
- 1802 Draped Bust Dollar
- 1796 Draped Bust Dollar
- 1797 Draped Bust Dollar (9×7 Stars)
- 1798 Draped Bust Dollar (Small Eagle)
- 1799 Draped Bust Dollar
- 1800 Draped Bust Dollar
Wyatt McDonald President & Co-Founder of Coinfully. A student of numismatics and trained in the ANA Seminar in Denver, Wyatt is the face of Coinfully and a true expert. After spending a decade buying coins over the counter at a coin shop, he knew there had to be a better way, for everyone involved.
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