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The Certified Flowing Hair Dollar 1798 Point 9 4 Berries XF40 NGC is a highly desirable and historically significant early American silver coin from the formative years of the United States Mint. Although commonly referred to as a “Flowing Hair” dollar, this particular coin is technically part of the Draped Bust dollar series, with the misnomer often used due to the flowing hair styling of Liberty’s portrait. Graded Extremely Fine 40 by Numismatic Guaranty Company (NGC), this coin retains strong design details on both obverse and reverse, with moderate, honest wear and attractive surfaces. The “Point 9” and “4 Berries” variety refers to distinctive die diagnostics cataloged by numismatists, making it especially interesting to variety collectors and early federal silver specialists.
The Draped Bust silver dollar was designed by U.S. Mint Chief Engraver Robert Scot and was introduced in 1795, replacing the original Flowing Hair design. The obverse features a portrait of Liberty facing right, her long hair loosely bound and cascading down her neck and shoulder. She is surrounded by stars representing the states of the Union, with the word “LIBERTY” above and the date “1798” below. In the “Point 9” variety, the numeral “9” in the date has a sharply pointed tail, distinguishing it from other 1798 issues that have a rounded tail. In this XF40 example, Liberty’s facial features, drapery folds, and hair strands are still well defined, with even wear on the high points and attractive, original patina on the surfaces. The rims are complete and all legends are sharp and legible.
The reverse of the coin displays the heraldic eagle design introduced in 1798, which replaced the earlier small eagle motif used from 1795 to early 1798. This design was inspired by the Great Seal of the United States and features a large eagle with wings spread, a shield on its chest, and a ribbon in its beak inscribed with “E PLURIBUS UNUM.” The eagle clutches arrows and an olive branch in its talons, with clouds and a constellation of stars above. The legend “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” encircles the design. The “4 Berries” variety refers to the number of berries on the olive branch held in the eagle’s right claw, a distinguishing feature used to classify early dollar die marriages. In this coin, the feathers, claws, and shield remain clearly visible, and though there is wear, all major devices are bold and balanced with rich toning typical of coins of this vintage.
The 1798 Draped Bust dollar is part of a series that ran from 1795 to 1804, though the last year of official production was 1803. During this era, coin production was relatively limited and labor-intensive, with each die pair individually created and manually aligned. As a result, a wide range of die marriages, varieties, and quirks emerged—such as the Pointed 9 and Berries distinctions found on this coin. Numismatists catalog these combinations using the Bolender (B) or Bowers-Borckardt (BB) references, and the 1798 Pointed 9 4 Berries variety is listed as BB-107 in the Bowers reference and B-9 in Bolender’s catalog. It is considered a relatively scarce and collectible variety with strong demand among specialists.
The mintage of 1798-dated Draped Bust dollars was approximately 327,536 coins, though the actual number struck in that calendar year is uncertain due to the Mint’s accounting practices and die reuse. Early U.S. silver dollars circulated extensively both domestically and in international trade, and few have survived in high grades. An Extremely Fine 40 example like this is uncommon and highly sought after, particularly when certified by NGC. The grade indicates moderate wear on the high points, but all central design features remain sharp, and the coin has avoided damage, cleaning, or other impairments that would reduce its desirability.
The coin’s composition is 89.24% silver and 10.76% copper, consistent with the standard for early U.S. silver coinage. It has a diameter of approximately 39 to 40 mm and typically weighs about 26.96 grams. Each dollar was struck individually using hand-operated screw presses, and alignment imperfections or surface irregularities are not uncommon on coins from this period. In spite of that, this XF40 example is evenly struck and well centered, enhancing its aesthetic appeal and numismatic value.
NGC’s certification of this coin as XF40 ensures that collectors and investors can trust in its authenticity, grade, and attribution. Early American coinage, especially from the 1790s, is heavily counterfeited, altered, or misattributed, so professional certification is essential. NGC’s encapsulation also protects the coin and provides a clear, permanent record of its grade and variety, which are important for resale, insurance, or collection documentation.
The appeal of the 1798 Draped Bust dollar lies not only in its age and beauty but also in its powerful connection to the founding generation of the United States. These coins were struck just two decades after independence and were used in the earliest days of the republic, making them tangible artifacts of the era of Washington, Adams, and Jefferson. The Pointed 9 4 Berries variety adds an additional layer of interest for collectors who specialize in die marriages and early minting quirks.
The Certified Flowing Hair (Draped Bust) Dollar 1798 Point 9 4 Berries XF40 NGC is a standout piece for collectors of early American silver. Its attractive, evenly worn surfaces, confirmed variety attribution, and robust historical context make it a cornerstone of any serious numismatic collection. Whether acquired for type set inclusion, as part of a Draped Bust die marriage pursuit, or simply for its rarity and charm, this coin represents the artistry, labor, and vision of the early U.S. Mint at a pivotal moment in the nation’s development.