This lustrous Choice AU example will appeal to advanced early dollar enthusiasts and high grade type collectors alike. Much of the original satin finish remains, and the fields in particular reveal modest semi-reflective qualities. The strike is well centered, both sides displaying uniformly denticulated borders that frame overall sharp to full devices. The entire coin is dressed in light silver gray patina with even more vivid bright gold undertones also very much in evidence.While first introduced in 1794, it was not until 1795 that the silver dollar was produced in any significant quantity to allow it to fulfill its intended role as the numismatic ambassador for a fledgling nation. The number of dollars coined in 1795 is a matter of quite a bit of debate. The official mint reports state that all told 203,033 dollars were coined in 1795, but there is no differentiation between the Flowing Hair and the Draped Bust types. Most references now generally cite a mintage of 160,295 for the Flowing Hair dollars. More recent scholarship by Q. David Bowers indicates that may actually be far too low and that the overall total number of 1795-dated dollars minted is likely closer to 390,000 pieces. Because dies were frequently reused regardless of the date appearing on them, there may have been as many as 185,000 pieces struck as late as 1798, a number derived after very careful die state analysis. Bowers suggests that approximately 290,000 1795 Flowing Hair dollars were ultimately produced. It becomes very clear that mass production was planned and these coins were no longer symbolic as they were in 1794 but rather to be an instrumental component to commerce. At least 10 Flowing Hair obverse dies and 11 Small Eagle reverse dies were prepared resulting in 29 varieties cataloged to date. The BB-27 variety is the most available of these and may be distinguished by three leaves under each of the eagles wings and a "bar" that extends from the topmost curl of Libertys hair to star 5. Because Libertys portrait was deeply impressed into the die, this variety was struck in high relief and many details wore down quickly. An estimated 2,500 and 3,500 pieces are believed to exist for the BB-27 die pair, but as with many of the early silver dollars, almost all are in the low to middle circulated grade levels. With 1794 dollars out of reach of most collectors and seldom available, the 1795 BB-27 dollar has long filled the bill for those seeking an example of this issue. Expect spirited bidding for this particularly appealing specimen.,,PCGS# 6852. NGC ID: 24WZ.,,
