Draped Bust Type (1795-1804)

This was only the second year that our nation struck One Dollar coins and this was the largest denomination in silver. Two types were struck in 1795, the Flowing Hair and the Draped Bust. This was the first time the Draped Bust design ever appeared on U.S. coins. Two major varieties are found on the 1795 Draped Bust Dollar - one with the bust of Liberty well-centered on the coin (as on the coin illustrated above) and another with the bust placed too far to the left.

Often, you'll see a number of marks on either side that appear to be scratches. These are called adjustment marks, caused by filing overweight planchets to remove excess metal and bring them down to the proper weight. Adjustment marks are commonly seen on early U.S. Silver and Gold coins. They usually do not affect the value of a coin unless they are heavy and unsightly.

Even though the 1795 Draped Bust version is rarer than the 1795 Flowing Hair version, the Draped Bust is easier to find in Mint State. The finest grade assigned to a 1795 Draped Bust Silver Dollar by PCGS is MS-65, of which there are 5. The finest "Off Center" example graded by PCGS is a single MS-65.

No Proof 1795 Draped Bust Silver Dollars were struck. This design lasted for 9 years until 1804. Any and all examples of this coin is a great treasure!