1794. PCGS graded VF-25. Here is an outstanding example of our most inportant silver coin struck in the early days at the Philadelphia Mint. The 1794 silver dollar. The silver dollar or Unit of measure, was the standard United States measure to reprsesent the "dollar", which compared with the silver coins then in circulation from Mexico, Spain and most of Europe. Only 1,758 pieces were struck that year, and today approximately 140 are known across the grading spectrum. This is unusually well struck for this extremely important coin. Full date, legends and all stars present with lots of hair detail. Most 1794 silver dollars are poorly struck on the left side, as the coining press was normally used for smaller diameter coins, hence the known 1794 silver dollars are always weakly struck on the left side. Here the legends and stars are visible, but of course, not sharply impressed. Uniform dark grayish-violet toning with some lighter highlights.
The surfaces are pleasing for the grade assigned, with no distracting heavy adjustment marks or surface abrasions to distract the eye. This is important as any numismatist wants to be proud of such an incredibly historic and popular coin, and finding one this well preserved and attractive is quite a challenge. Few come to market in any given year, and these are always fought over when they cross the auction block. For identification a few minor nicks are noted, one small nick or tiny lamination is found just below the lower left point of the final star, also there is a shallow scratch that runs outside stars four and five to the rim above. On the reverse there is a short scratch at the top of the eagle's left leg along the lower portion of the breast. Another trivial scratch is found from the rim to the C of AMERICA. These noted marks are all for pedigree tracing, and are quite minor and easy to overlook on this classic American rarity. There appears to be only the faintest trace of adjustment marks at the rim above a few letters of UNITED, which further enhances this elegant specimen, as many of these historic coins are found with considerably more adjustment marks that cross well into the lettering and devices and are certainly far more distracting than seen here. An exceptional example of this coveted rarity which will no doubt become the centerpiece of an advanced collection
(PCGS # 6851) Estimated Value $150,000 - UP
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