Characteristics That Distinguish 1804 Dollars from Silver Dollars of Other Dates

All three Classes of the 1804 Dollar were coined using the same obverse (front) die. The Class II and Class III dollars were struck using a different reverse die than used for the Class I dollars, but it's the same die used for both of those coins. Thus, there are just two known die combinations (matings).

The same reverse die used in making the Class I 1804 Dollars was also used to coin the proof dollars dated 1801, 1802 and 1803. Proof coins, if you're not familiar with the term, can be thought of as presentation coins. The dies used to make them are highly polished, creating mirror-like surfaces on the coins. The coinage blanks are also cleaned and polished and are given more than one striking which results in extra sharp details. The term "proof" refers to a method of manufacture, not condition, as many people think.

The reverse die used for the Class II and the Class III 1804 Dollars is not known to be used for silver dollars of any other date. The distinguishing charteristic for differentiating these two classes, which were made from the same obverse and reverse dies, is that the only known Class II dollar has a plain smooth edge, whereas all other known 1804 dollars have a lettered edge, reading "HUNDRED CENTS ONE DOLLAR OR UNIT." The words are interspersed with stars and symbols. This edge lettering, which appears on the Class III 1804 Dollars, is believed to have been added several years after the year in which they were believed to have been coined, which is 1858. Today our coins have "reeded" edges. Take a look at your change.

The "4" in the date has no vertical crosslet or serif on its right extension. The "4" has a horizontal base at its bottom. The little "beads" around the edge, called dentils, are raised and rounded, whereas on other silver dollars of that era they are smooth and extend a little further out into the "field" of the coin. The border around the rim is distinctively raised and flat. The back curl of hair near the center top of the head is missing because of a defective punch used to make the die for the coin. There is also a long die break on the obverse of the Class I dollar, evidenced by a slight raised ridge, extending from the top of the left star across the top of the letters "LIBERTY" all the way to the "Y".

The edge lettering on all 1804 Dollars of Class I and III have major defects (the only known Class II 1804 Dollar has a plain smooth edge). Some, and probably all, 1804 Dollars of each Class were manufactured as proofs. Some have been harshly cleaned or have wear on the surfaces making it difficult to distinguish proof characteristics. Proof coins from the U.S. Mint were first produced in 1817 meaning the 1801, 1802, 1803 and 1804 dated proof dollars were coined after that time.

The coin illustrated is the Dexter 1804 Dollar, a Class I dollar. On the reverse of the Class I dollars, the first "S" in the word "STATES" straddles the first two clouds. On the reverse of the other two Classes that "S" is positioned entirely over the first cloud. The "O" in the word "OF" on the reverse of the Class I dollar is positioned entirely over the second to the last cloud, while on the reverses of the other two classes it straddles the last two clouds. Each Class II and Class III 1804 Dollar has a partially doubled image on the reverse indicating movement of the reverse die when the coins were struck. The Class II and Class III dollars were also struck more sharply than the Class I 1804 dollars. Softness can readily be seen in several details of the Class I dollars. For example, some of the stars on both sides exhibit flattening, as do some of the hair curls, lettering, and eagle feathers.

An interesting curiosity appears on the Dexter specimen of the 1804 Dollar. Take a look at the second cloud from the right on the reverse. Because of the lack of clarity in this illustration, all you may see is a dot, but someone counterstamped the coin with a "D." Presumably it was done by Dexter, however, it could have been done by Dunham, a subsequent owner.