One of the quieter but more impressive parts of this week’s GreatCollections email is the group of early U.S. silver dollars from the MJ Sullivan Collection. These aren’t random type coins, they’re carefully selected Flowing Hair and Draped Bust dollars with strong grades, eye appeal, and pedigree!
Named collections matter in early U.S. coinage, and MJ Sullivan is known for assembling high-quality early federal silver. Provenance doesn’t change the coin itself, but it adds confidence, history, and a story that advanced collectors care about.
Highlights include a 1795 Flowing Hair dollar graded PCGS XF-45 with CAC approval, already pulling heavy bidding. There’s also a strong lineup of Draped Bust dollars from 1798 through 1801, including AU and Mint State examples. These coins represent the earliest years of the U.S. Mint and remain cornerstones of serious collections.
Editor’s Note: At the time this article was written, the GreatCollections auction was actively ongoing. The auction has since concluded, and final prices realized may differ from the bid totals discussed below.
Early dollars are tricky to price as two coins with the same grade can bring very different results depending on strike, surfaces, toning, and overall originality. That’s why collections like this are worth studying, even if you’re not bidding. They show what the market currently rewards, but that changes from moment-to-moment.
Seeing this many quality early dollars offered at once is a treat. It’s also a reminder that while modern markets come and go, demand for foundational U.S. coinage remains strong.
What Do You Think?
If you could pick just one early dollar from this group, which date would it be?
More GreatCollections Coverage
Looking for more GreatCollections auction highlights and notable lots? You can find all related articles collected here.
View all GreatCollections articles
GreatCollections is mentioned for informational and commentary purposes. All trademarks and images belong to their respective owners.