The 1776 Silver Dollar was the largest and purest silver coin of the time. It?s the only silver dollar to be designed by founding father, Benjamin Franklin, who created 13 linked rings on the reverse to symbolize our original 13 colonies. The 13 rings surround the motto "We Are One," a declaration of the unity of the soon-to-be-states. The British capture of the Mint brought an end to the brief life of the 1776 Silver Dollar and sealed its destiny as one of America?s rarest coins. Only four survived. It would be 18 years before the appearance of America?s next silver dollar, the 1794 "Flowing Hair Liberty." Circling her portrait is the word "Liberty" and one star for each state of the Union. Lady Liberty had been born. But, after just one day of minting, fate intervened. Equipment failure forced silver dollar production to halt until 1795. Today, the few surviving 1794 Liberty Silver Dollars have become prized for their rarity and meaning. In fact, one recently sold for $506,000.00!
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