1804 Dollar Tribute – 2 oz .999 Fine Silver Art Medal
A famous date, a flowing-haired Liberty and an elaborate heraldic eagle come together in the 1804 Dollar Tribute. Rendered as a domed-die silver art medal, this two troy ounce piece honors an iconic American design in a 39mm format, giving its portrait, stars and fine reverse details a substantial silver setting.
The Dollar with an Unexpected Date
The story of the 1804 dollar begins with a surprise: the first examples bearing that date were made decades later. In 1834, the United States Mint created 1804-dated dollars for diplomatic presentation sets. An example accompanied the set presented to the King of Siam in 1836, linking this celebrated rarity to early American trade diplomacy.
Additional examples were made later, adding further chapters to the coin’s unusual history. Its appeal is therefore about more than scarcity or a beautiful portrait: the date on its face opens a story of international gifts, collecting and the way coins can represent a nation abroad.
Obverse Design
Liberty faces right, her hair tied with a ribbon and falling in waves behind her shoulder. “LIBERTY” appears above and 1804 below. Thirteen stars flank the portrait—seven on the left and six on the right—recalling the original thirteen colonies. A finely detailed border frames the composition.
Reverse Design
A heraldic eagle spreads its wings beneath a group of thirteen stars and an arc of clouds. A shield covers its breast, and a flowing ribbon bears “E PLURIBUS UNUM.” The eagle holds arrows and an olive branch, while “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” follows the outer border. The modern silver hallmark is positioned along the lower circumference.
Specifications
- Weight: 2 troy ounces
- Purity: .999 fine silver
- Diameter: 39mm
- Thickness: Approximately 6mm
- Edge: Reeded
- Format: Domed-die silver art medal
- Finish: Brilliant Uncirculated
A Tribute to a Numismatic Legend
This modern medal celebrates the 1804 dollar’s design and story; it is not an original 1804-dated United States dollar. Its familiar early American imagery makes it a fitting addition to a collection of historic coin tributes.
Explore more designs in our silver round collection.
