A 1795 Flowing Hair silver dollar, hidden for decades in an old cookie tin, has stunned the world by selling for nearly $1 million at auction. This early American coin, once a forgotten keepsake, is now celebrated as a rare piece of history. Its journey from a dusty attic to a high-stakes bidding war has captivated collectors and everyday folks alike. The sale has sparked fresh interest in old coins, with people everywhere checking their own tins and jars.
A Hidden Treasure in a Tin
The story began when a Virginia woman was cleaning out her late grandmother’s attic in early 2025. Among dusty boxes, she found a rusty cookie tin filled with odds and ends, including a worn silver coin. Thinking it might be worth something, she took it to a local coin dealer. The dealer’s jaw dropped: it was a 1795 Flowing Hair dollar, one of the first coins ever minted by the United States. The family had no idea it was a treasure, passed down quietly through generations.
Why This Coin Is So Valuable
The 1795 Flowing Hair dollar is a collector’s dream. Designed by Robert Scot, it features a portrait of Liberty with flowing hair and an eagle on the reverse, symbolizing a young America. Only about 160,000 were minted, and many were lost, melted, or damaged over time. This coin, though worn, was in remarkable condition for its age, earning a high grade from experts. Its rarity and historical weight make it one of the most sought-after coins in the world.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Mint Year | 1795 |
| Mint Location | Philadelphia |
| Mintage | ~160,000 |
| Designer | Robert Scot |
| Sale Price | $975,000 |
Auction Frenzy Breaks Records
When the coin hit the auction block at Sotheby’s in New York in May 2025, collectors went wild. Bidding started at $200,000 and quickly climbed as buyers from the U.S., Europe, and Asia competed. Online platforms allowed smaller collectors to join in, pushing the price higher. By the end, the coin sold for $975,000 to a private collector, just shy of the million-dollar mark. Auctioneers called it one of the biggest sales of a Flowing Hair dollar in recent years.
A Window into Early America
The 1795 Flowing Hair dollar is more than a pricey collectible; it’s a piece of America’s founding days. Minted just years after the U.S. Constitution was signed, it reflects a nation finding its identity. The Virginia woman, thrilled by the sale, plans to use the money to preserve her grandmother’s home and fund a local history project. “This coin was part of our family, but it belongs to everyone’s story,” she said. Museums have already reached out, hoping to display it someday.
Inspiring a Treasure Hunt
The sale has sparked a wave of excitement, with people across the country digging through old boxes and drawers. Social media is buzzing with stories of “attic finds,” and coin shops report a surge in appraisals. The 1795 Flowing Hair dollar shows how history can hide in plain sight, waiting to be rediscovered. Whether it ends up in a museum or a private vault, this coin has reminded us that treasures can turn up anywhere, even in a simple cookie tin.