Draped Bust (1795-1804)

After the brief tenure of the Flowing Hair design, Draped Bust dollars were minted starting in 1795. Their production was also brief, primarily due to dwindling silver reserves, a preference for smaller denominations, and the export of large quantities of U.S. minted silver dollars to China to meet their bullion needs. While the official production ceased with coins dated 1803, a limited number of 1804 dollars were struck in 1834 as diplomatic gifts for world dignitaries. The 1804 dollar is regarded as the most renowned of all American coins.