 According to Newman and Bressett , the manner in which the 1804 dollars were produced is proof that none were struck in 1804 . They note that the Castaing machine 's edging dies utilized an ' H ' that was undersized in relation to the other letters , the same as those used on Draped Bust dollars throughout the regular production of those coins . However , the edge lettering on all Class I 1804 dollars is deformed and partially obliterated , meaning that they were not struck in an open @-@ collared coinage press as was used in 1804 , but one which used a steel collar that was not introduced to the Mint until 1833 . The deformation of the edge lettering was caused by pressure pushing the coinage metal against the steel collar containing the coin blank . Additionally , many 1804 dollars were struck in proof finish , a technique which was first employed at the Mint in 1817 . 
