Whether a 1795 Liberty coin is real or fake depends on several factors, as counterfeits of this historic coin are known to exist.
Here are some key points to consider when assessing a 1795 Liberty coin:
- Flowing Hair or Draped Bust: Two different designs were used for the 1795 silver dollar: [Flowing Hair] and [Draped Bust] . Knowing which type your coin is is the first step in verification.
- Varieties: There are also different varieties within each design (e.g., different arrangements of leaves or stars on the reverse).
- Weight: Genuine 1795 Draped Bust silver dollars should weigh close to 26.96 grams. Significantly lighter coins could be fake, [according to JustAnswer].
- Diameter: The diameter should be around 39mm.
- Magnetism: Silver is not magnetic. A coin that sticks to a magnet is likely fake.
- Edge: The edge of the coin should have lettered inscription: “HUNDRED CENTS ONE DOLLAR OR UNIT”. A plain or reeded edge could be a sign of a counterfeit.
- Details: Examine the details of the design, such as the sharpness of the letters, the strands of Liberty’s hair, and the folds of her dress. Fakes often have shallowly inset or unevenly wrapped letters and may show excessive bifurcation (incomplete strike).
- Cleaning/Alterations: Be wary of coins that appear to have been overly cleaned or show signs of damage like tooling marks, holes, or heavy filing. While some adjustment marks are normal on early dollars, heavy alteration could indicate an attempt to conceal flaws or to create a counterfeit.
- Grading Services: Reputable grading services like PCGS or NGC can authenticate and grade your coin, which is the most reliable way to determine its authenticity and value.
- Coin Dealers: Consult with experienced coin dealers who can physically examine the coin for authenticity.
Important note: There are many counterfeits of 1795 Liberty coins, some of which are very well-made. Relying solely on visual inspection can be misleading.
If you possess a 1795 Liberty coin and suspect it might be a valuable original, it’s highly recommended to seek professional evaluation from a trusted numismatic expert or a reputable grading service.
How much is a 1795 Liberty coin worth?
Good point! 1795 DRAPED BUST Liberty Coin Value
According to the NGC Price Guide, as of August 2025, a Liberty Coin from 1795 DRAPED in circulated condition is worth between $2000 and $50000. However, on the open market 1795 DRAPED BUST Silver Dollars in pristine, uncirculated condition sell for as much as $850000.
How can you tell if a Liberty silver dollar is real?
Good point! Magnet reactivity is one of the easiest answers for how to tell if a coin is real silver. Silver isn’t magnetic, so it won’t react when a magnet is pressed against it. Fake silver coins will be pulled closer to the magnet. The same is true with gold.
Will a 1795 Liberty coin stick to a magnet?
Thanks for asking. Silver is a non-ferrous metal and will not be attracted to a magnet. If your coin sticks to a magnet, it is fake. There are many types of non-ferrous metal besides silver, and many of the counterfeits are made of them. If your coin does not stick to a magnate that does not mean it is genuine.
How to check if a coin is real or fake?
The color. Color is a unique characteristic of each coin. …
Brightness. This is obtained during minting and like color is a characteristic of each alloy.
Smoothness. Parts of the coin that are not engraved should be smooth, even and without porosity.
Wear and tear. …
Latent image. …
Microtext.