Flowing Hair Silver Dollars were struck on planchets with the composition specified in the Coinage Act of 1792. This consisted of 89.24% silver and 10.76% copper with a weight of 416 grains or 26.96 grams. Because of the primitive methods of producing the planchets, the diameter differs from coin to coin but is typically between 39 and 40 mm.
Planchets were weighed before the coins were struck. Overweight planchets were adjusted by filing, and underweight planchets were adjusted by inserting a silver plug in the center of the blank. The resulting adjustment marks or plugs generally do not detract from the value of the coins since they are considered part of the minting process.
The design for the coins by Robert Scot was broadly described under the Coinage Act of 1792. The obverse was to contain an image emblematic of Liberty with the inscription “LIBERTY” and year of coinage. The reverse was to feature the representation of an eagle with the inscription “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA”.
As with other early silver and gold coins, the denomination of the coin does not appear on the obverse or reverse. Instead the denomination is found on the edge of the coin.
Coin Specifications
- Dates: 1794-1795
- Mint Mark: none (Philadelphia)
- Composition: 89.24% silver, 10.76% copper
- Weight: 26.96 grams
- Diameter: 39-40 mm
- Edge: lettered “HUNDRED CENTS ONE DOLLAR OR UNIT”
- Designer: Robert Scot
