💰 1795 Off-Center Bust Silver Dollar: A $700,000 Rarity from America’s First Mint

How a Minting Error Created One of the Most Sought-After Early U.S. Coins

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🏛️ Historical Significance

The 1795 Off-Center Bust Silver Dollar is a prized relic of the U.S. Mint’s formative years, struck just two years after the nation’s first coinage. Part of the Draped Bust series, this coin reflects the challenges of early minting technology, where hand-operated presses and misaligned dies led to striking errors. Only 10–15 Off-Center Bust examples survive today, making it a Holy Grail for collectors of early American coinage.

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🔍 Design & Key Identifiers

• Designer: Robert Scot, the first Chief Engraver of the U.S. Mint.
• Obverse: Draped Bust of Liberty, shifted left due to die misalignment.
  • Key Feature: Liberty’s hair nearly touches the 7th star on the left, leaving a wide gap on the right.
• Reverse: Small eagle encircled by a wreath, with “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.”
• Edge Lettering: “HUNDRED CENTS ONE DOLLAR OR UNIT” (authentic coins only).
• Composition: 89.2% silver, 10.8% copper.
• Weight: 26.96 grams (0.773 oz of silver).

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💎 Market Value by Condition (2024 Estimates)

Grade	Description	Value Range
Very Fine (VF-20)	Moderate wear, details intact	100,000–100,000–250,000
Extremely Fine (EF-40)	Light wear, sharp features	250,000–250,000–500,000
Mint State (MS-65+)	Near-perfect, original luster	500,000–500,000–1M+

Recent Sales:

• $705,000: 1795 Off-Center Bust graded PCGS MS-66 (2020 auction).
• $1.41 Million: A similar variety (Centered Bust) in PCGS MS-66+ (2022).

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📜 The Error That Defined Rarity

The Off-Center Bust variety originated from improper die alignment during striking. The Mint corrected the error quickly, but a few coins escaped into circulation. These survivors are prized for their historical imperfections, symbolizing the trial-and-error era of early U.S. coinage.

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⚠️ Authentication Tips

1. Die Alignment: Liberty’s bust must be visibly shifted left, with hair near the 7th star.
2. Edge Lettering: Authentic coins have raised, irregular lettering (hand-punched edges).
3. Weight & Magnet Test: Must weigh ~26.96g and be non-magnetic.
4. Surface Quality: Look for natural toning and granular wear (no modern polishing).

Red Flags:

• Fake “Shifted” Coins: Counterfeits often mimic the error with altered dies.
• Incorrect Details: Genuine coins have 15 stars (13 colonies + VT and KY).

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📈 Market Outlook & Collector Demand

• Registry Sets: Needed by elite collectors to complete Draped Bust dollar collections.
• Auction Potential: An MS-65+ example could fetch $1.5M+ today.
• Pedigree Premium: Coins tied to famous collections (e.g., Eliasberg, Pogue) command higher prices.

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🛠️ How to Sell Your 1795 Dollar

1. Grading is Mandatory: Submit to PCGS or NGC (300–300–500 fee for high-value coins).
2. Auction Strategy:
   • Stack’s Bowers or Heritage Auctions for global exposure.
   • Private Treaty Sales: For coins valued over $1M.
3. Provenance: Document ownership history to maximize value.

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📚 Learn More on PennyVerse.info

• Free Guide: Download our “Early U.S. Dollar Checklist”.
• Expert Help: Post photos in our Forum for free evaluations.

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#CoinCollecting #DrapedBust #RareCoins
💬 Think you’ve found a 1795 treasure? Our community will help you verify—no myths, just expertise.

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Because every coin tells a story – especially those struck off-center.

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PS: That “1795 dollar in your attic”? 99.99% fake. For the 0.01% chance, contact PCGS/NGC immediately – you might join the $700,000 club! 🏆

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