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DOLLAR – FLOWING HAIR [1794-1795]. Robert Scot, Chief Engraver, designed the Flowing Hair dollars. His design attracted immediate criticism from those who thought his Liberty goddess appeared disheveled, “in a fright”, and in general, lacking in the dignity one would want in a national symbol. The eagle appearing on the reverse side was likewise decried as “scrawny” and turkey-like. Modern collectors see great beauty in these coins as representative of the best efforts of the fledgling US Mint, beset as it was with mechanical, logistical, and political issues that often threatened its very existence. In this context, these first US dollars are among the most treasured of numismatic holdings. Coin images courtesy of Goldberg Coins and Collectibles. |  |
DOLLAR – DRAPED BUST [1795-1804]. The Draped Bust design, like the Flowing Hair coin that preceded it, was designed by Robert Scot. While the image of Lady Liberty, it was felt, was measurably improved, the eagle remained scorned and under appreciated in its smaller format. This led to the redesign of the dollar’s reverse, introducing the large “heraldic” eagle in 1798. Coin images courtesy of Goldberg Coins and Collectibles. |
