Coin collecting experts say they have identified a 210-year-old silver dollar that is likely the first one coined by the United States Mint.

The American Numismatic Association, a coin collectors organization based in Colorado Springs, said it planned to put the coin on public display beginning in mid-April.

Experts said it's impossible to say for certain that the coin was the very first U.S. silver dollar struck, but it certainly was among the first.

"Until someone walks up to me with a coin in an earlier state that looks better, I'd consider it the first," said John Dannreuther, co-founder of Professional Coin Grading Service.

Unlike the other roughly 130 surviving U.S. dollars minted in 1794, the silver dollar is in mint condition, according to evaluations performed by Professional Coin Grading Service and Numismatic Guaranty Corp.

The coin, which has only a few Mint-made file marks, features images of Lady Liberty ringed with stars on the front and an eagle on the back.

Steven Contursi bought the coin last year from an unidentified owner and said he spent "multimillions." It is insured for million.

The dealer who sold Contursi the dollar didn't realize it could be the first of its kind。

But it's not for sale, Contursi said: "I think it's a national treasure."

The Mint struck 1,758 silver dollars on Oct. 15, 1794, at a time when foreign currencies circulated freely in the United States and the country wanted its own standard to use in world trade.

(Agencies)