DATE: November 26, 1794 

TOWN: Bolton, MA 

SOURCE: Columbian Centinel

The First Dollars 

NOTES: Authorized by Congress on April 2, 1792, the nation's first silver dollars finally appeared in 1794.  Designed by Robert Scot, they depicted a flowing-haired Liberty on the obverse.  Only 1,758 examples were struck that year. 

Although highly praised by collectors today, they were not universally liked at the time of their issue.  As this contemporary article predicted, they were "improved upon" with the Draped Bust design in mid-1795.

U.S. COINAGE

Some of the Dollars now coining at the mint of the United States, have found their way to this town. A correspondent put one into the Editor's hands yesterday. Its weight is equal to that of a Spanish dollar, but the metal appears finer. One side bears a Head, with flowing tresses, encircled by Fifteen Stars, and has the word "LIBERTY" at the top, and the date, 1794, at the bottom. On the reverse, is the Bald Eagle, enclosed in an Olive Branch, round which are the words "United States of America." The exergue is well milled, indented in which are the words "One Dollar, or unit:" "Hundred Cents." The tont ensemble has a pleasing effect to a connoisseur; but the touches of the graver are too delicate, and there is a want of that boldness of execution which is necessary to durability, and currency. They will be improved upon. 

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