1804 Proof Draped Bust Dollar - Restrike - Class III

Coin Details

Auction Record

$2,300,000 PR58 04-01-2009 Heritage Auctions

Description

The 1804 Proof Draped Bust Dollar - Restrike - Class III is a proof dollar struck at the Philadelphia Mint, part of the Draped Bust Dollars 1795-1804 series. With a mintage of 7, this is an extremely rare issue — the lowest mintage among 3 mint variants, representing only 32% of total production. The obverse features Liberty facing right with draped bust and ribbon-bound hair, designed after a Gilbert Stuart portrait and the reverse displays a small, naturalistic eagle perched on a palm branch within a wreath (1795-1798) or a heraldic eagle with shield on breast, olive branch and arrows in talons, with a banner reading E PLURIBUS UNUM (1798-1804). The "King of American Coins" — but the famous 1804 dollars were actually struck in the 1830s-1850s as diplomatic presentation pieces. Only 15 are known across three classes. As a proof issue, this coin was struck multiple times on specially prepared polished planchets using polished dies, producing mirror-like fields and frosted design elements prized by collectors. Struck at the original U.S. Mint facility, in continuous operation since 1792. Estimated market value is approximately $31K. Struck in 90% silver, 10% copper, weighing 27 grams, 40 mm in diameter, with a lettered: hundred cents one dollar or unit edge. Cataloged as PCGS #6908.