🏛️ Why This Coin Matters
The 1795 Off-Center Bust Silver Dollar is one of the rarest and most fascinating coins from America’s early minting history. Struck just two years after the first official U.S. coins, this piece is part of the famous Draped Bust series.
Because minting technology was still developing, hand-operated presses often produced errors. One of the most striking mistakes was this off-center design. Today, only 10–15 genuine examples are known to exist, making it a holy grail for collectors.
🔍 Key Features & Design
- Designer: Robert Scot (First Chief Engraver of the U.S. Mint)
- Obverse (Front): Liberty’s bust is shifted left, almost touching the 7th star.
- Reverse (Back): Small eagle surrounded by a wreath with “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.”
- Edge Lettering: “HUNDRED CENTS ONE DOLLAR OR UNIT” (authentic only).
- Metal Composition: 89.2% silver, 10.8% copper
- Weight: 26.96 grams (~0.77 oz of silver)
👉 The off-center bust and wide gap of stars are the easiest ways to spot this rarity.
💎 Value & Market Prices (2024)
| Grade | Condition | Estimated Value |
|---|---|---|
| VF-20 (Very Fine) | Moderate wear | 💵 $100,000 – $250,000 |
| EF-40 (Extremely Fine) | Light wear, strong details | 💵 $250,000 – $500,000 |
| MS-65+ (Mint State) | Near-perfect, original luster | 💵 $500,000 – $1M+ |
📌 Recent Highlights:
- ✅ $705,000 sale (PCGS MS-66, 2020 auction)
- ✅ $1.41 Million (Similar Bust Dollar, MS-66+, 2022)
📜 Why the Error Matters
This rare coin exists because of misaligned dies during striking. The error was quickly corrected by the Mint, but a few coins entered circulation. Collectors prize these coins not just for rarity, but also because they tell the story of trial-and-error in America’s first Mint.
⚠️ How to Spot a Real One
✅ Die Alignment: Liberty’s bust shifted left
✅ Edge Lettering: Raised, hand-punched style
✅ Correct Weight: ~26.96g, non-magnetic
✅ Natural Surface: Original toning (avoid polished fakes)
🚩 Red Flags:
- Fake “shifted” designs with modern tools
- Wrong number of stars (genuine has 15 stars)
📈 Collector Demand & Future Value
- 🏆 Registry Sets: Elite collectors need it for Draped Bust series completion
- 💹 Auction Potential: MS-65+ examples could sell for $1.5M+ today
- ✨ Provenance Premium: Coins from famous collections (Eliasberg, Pogue) bring higher prices
🛠️ Thinking of Selling One?
- 📦 Get It Graded: Submit to PCGS or NGC (fees: $300–$500 for high-value coins)
- 🎯 Best Auction Houses: Stack’s Bowers or Heritage Auctions
- 🔑 Provenance Matters: Document ownership history to boost value
📚 Learn More
👉 Download our Free Early U.S. Dollar Checklist on PennyVerse.info
👉 Join our Collector Forum for free evaluations
💬 Got a 1795 coin in your attic? Chances are it’s fake, but if it’s real—you might just be in the $700,000+ club! 🏆
#CoinCollecting #RareCoins #DrapedBustDollar
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