The 2024 Flowing Hair Medals commemorate one of the most recognizable designs in early American coinage: the Flowing Hair dollar of 1794. Issued for the 230th anniversary of that historic design, these modern medals revisit the imagery used on one of the nation’s earliest silver dollars while presenting it in a format suited to contemporary collectors. The obverse features a recreation of Robert Scot’s original portrait of Liberty, with her hair swept behind her in long, graceful strands. Fifteen stars surround the portrait, representing the states that had ratified the Constitution by 1794. On the reverse, an early heraldic-style eagle appears with outstretched wings inside a laurel wreath, accompanied by the inscription “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.” The design work for the modern medal was completed by John P. McGraw on the obverse and Eric David Custer on the reverse, connecting historic source material with present-day craftsmanship. Each medal contains 1 troy ounce of .999 fine silver and measures approximately 40.60 millimeters, or about 1.598 inches, in diameter. Struck at the Philadelphia Mint without a mint mark, the issue has a stated mintage limit of 75,000 pieces. These details make the series especially relevant to people who enjoy early American history, classic coin design, the development of the nation’s monetary system, or the visual language of Liberty and heraldry. Additional information about available listings can be found on the
US Mint Flowing Hair 2024 page.
When comparing 2024 Flowing Hair Medals, collectors commonly look beyond the silver content and consider the complete presentation. A medal’s surface should be reviewed for handling marks, spots, or signs of contact, particularly when the piece is intended for display. Original government packaging, a capsule, and any accompanying documentation may also matter to collectors who value an intact issue presentation. Because these medals were released with a limited mintage, availability and asking prices can differ among sellers and over time; listings should be reviewed for the stated condition, included packaging, product specifications, and applicable shipping terms. A clear understanding of the difference between a medal and a coin can also be helpful. Unlike a legal-tender coin, a medal is generally issued to commemorate a person, event, anniversary, or design rather than to circulate at a face value. In this case, the attraction rests in the connection to the 1794 Flowing Hair dollar, the artistic interpretation of Liberty and the eagle, and the significance of the 230th anniversary. For storage, a fitted capsule or other inert holder can help limit exposure to fingerprints, dust, moisture, and rough surfaces. A soft, dry area away from direct sunlight is often more suitable than an open display shelf near a kitchen, bathroom, or frequently handled workspace. Silver can naturally develop changes in appearance over time, and many collectors prefer to leave original surfaces undisturbed rather than use abrasive cleaning products that may affect the finish.
These medals can serve several purposes within a collection. A student of American history may use one as a tangible companion to books or classroom material about the early republic, while a numismatist may place it alongside other examples of Liberty portraits, eagle motifs, or commemorative issues. The generous 40.60-millimeter diameter gives the obverse and reverse room to show fine lines in the hair, facial profile, feathers, wreath, and lettering, making the piece suitable for careful examination with ordinary light or a small magnifier. It can also be a thoughtful gift for someone who appreciates American craftsmanship, historic design, or the tradition of collecting physical objects with a clear story behind them. During the cooler months, a medal with this kind of historical connection can make a distinctive addition to a family collection, a desk display, or a keepsake box shared between generations. Some recipients may be drawn to the symbolism of Liberty, while others may focus on the technical details: one troy ounce of .999 fine silver, Philadelphia origin, no mint mark, and the limited 75,000-piece mintage. Whatever the reason for exploring the series, the 2024 Flowing Hair Medals offer a compact way to engage with an important chapter in American numismatic history. Prices, availability, and condition can vary, so each listing’s details should be read closely before placing an order, with attention to the medal’s specifications, packaging, and fulfillment terms.
