💰 The 1804 Draped Bust Silver Dollar: The “King of American Coins” Worth Millions

A Numismatic Legend That Redefined Rarity and Value

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🏛️ Historical Significance

The 1804 Draped Bust Silver Dollar is the most famous and valuable coin in U.S. numismatics, dubbed the “King of American Coins.” Despite its 1804 date, no dollars were actually struck that year. The coins were minted decades later as diplomatic gifts and collector pieces, creating a saga of intrigue, scarcity, and record-breaking auctions.

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🔍 Design & Key Identifiers

• Designer: Robert Scot, Chief Engraver of the U.S. Mint.
• Obverse: Draped Bust of Liberty with 13 stars representing the original colonies.
• Reverse: Heraldic eagle clutching arrows and an olive branch.
• Edge Lettering: “HUNDRED CENTS ONE DOLLAR OR UNIT” (authentic coins only).
• Composition: 90% silver, 10% copper.
• Weight: 26.96 grams (0.773 oz of silver).

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💎 The Three Classes of 1804 Dollars

Class	Year Struck	Purpose	Survival Estimate	Value Range
Class I	1834–1835	Diplomatic gifts for Asia	8 known	5M–5M–10M+
Class II	1858–1859	Experimental proof restrikes	1 known (Smithsonian)	Priceless
Class III	1859–1860	Collector restrikes	6 known	2M–2M–4M+

Recent Sales:

• $10.8 Million: Class I 1804 dollar (PCGS PR-68), 2013 Stack’s Bowers auction.
• $7.8 Million: Class I example (NGC PR-62), private sale, 2021.

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📜 The Diplomatic Mission That Created a Legend

In 1834, President Andrew Jackson ordered the U.S. Mint to create special proof sets as gifts for Asian rulers during trade negotiations. The Mint backdated these coins to 1804 (the last year dollars were officially struck) to avoid disrupting the coinage system. Only 8 Class I examples were produced, gifted to leaders in Siam (Thailand), Muscat (Oman), and Japan.

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⚠️ Authentication Tips

1. Edge Lettering: Genuine coins have reeded edges with no inscriptions (counterfeits often add fake lettering).
2. Weight & Magnet Test: Must weigh ~26.96g and be non-magnetic.
3. Surface Quality: Class I coins show proof-like surfaces with mirrored fields.
4. Pedigree Tracing: All genuine 1804 dollars are documented in numismatic literature (e.g., the “Mickley-Hawn-Queller” specimen).

Red Flags:

• “Too Good to Be True” Prices: Raw (ungraded) 1804 dollars are 100% fake.
• Artificial Toning: Scammers use chemicals to mimic 19th-century patina.

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📈 Market Outlook & Collector Demand

• Ultra-Exclusive Buyers: Only museums, billionaires, and institutions compete for these coins.
• Auction Potential: A Class I example could fetch $15M+ if sold publicly today.
• Legacy: The 1804 dollar symbolizes America’s early global diplomacy and numismatic artistry.

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🛠️ How to Sell an 1804 Dollar (If You Find One)

1. Immediate Authentication: Contact PCGS or NGC for emergency grading.
2. Auction Strategy:
   • Stack’s Bowers or Heritage Auctions handle all major 1804 dollar sales.
3. Legal Considerations: Prove ownership history to avoid disputes (many 1804 dollars have storied pasts).

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📚 Learn More on PennyVerse.info

• Free Guide: Download our “1804 Dollar: Fact vs. Fiction”.
• Expert Help: Post photos in our Forum for free evaluations.

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#CoinCollecting #1804Dollar #RareCoins
💬 Think you’ve found the “King of Coins”? Our community will help you verify—no myths, just expertise.

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PennyVerse.info – Trusted by Collectors Since 2010 🏛️🔍
Because every coin tells a story – especially those that never circulated.

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PS: That “1804 dollar in your attic”? 99.9999% fake. For the 0.0001% chance, contact PCGS/NGC immediately – you might rewrite numismatic history! 👑🏆

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