Think You Found an 1804 Silver Dollar? Here’s What You Need to Know

We recently evaluated an 1804 Draped Bust silver dollar submitted by a hopeful collector. It’s one of the most iconic—and most misrepresented—coins in the world. Sadly, the submitted example wasn’t real.

The Truth About the 1804 Dollar:
✓ The U.S. Mint never struck these for circulation in 1804
✓ All known originals were struck decades later for diplomatic presentation sets
✓ Only 15 genuine coins are known today
✓ Most coins labeled “1804 dollar” are fantasy strikes or replicas from the 20th century

How to Tell the Difference:

  • Authentic examples are museum-caliber rarities with exact die characteristics

  • No authentic 1804 dollars are ever sold casually or cheaply

  • Even well-aged counterfeits have different weight, metal content, or engraving flaws

Why Authentication Matters:
✓ A genuine coin is worth millions—but replicas are common
✓ Getting expert eyes on it avoids false hopes or financial mistakes
✓ Even legitimate coins often need verification to confirm grade, strike, or origin

Think you’ve found an 1804 Silver Dollar? Confirm with a $25 Fast Opinion now—or go straight to a $125 Authentication Report for official documentation.

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