Lot 1120
1879 $4 Gold. Flowing hair. PCGS graded Proof 64 Cameo PQ. A classic design by George Morgan, founded in a proposal by Representative John Adam Kasson for an international coinage. Toned in gorgeous, orange-gold colors, with bright, reflective surfaces. Light surface striations typical of the 425+ Proofs struck after the 25 Originals (which supposedly show no striations). Strong cameo contrast, not deep, but certainly close. One of the most popular of all American coins, enough to make Stellas one of the few Patterns included among regular issue coins in most reference books (the GUIDEBOOK, a notable example). PCGS reports 9 at this level, with 6 higher in Cameo.
The Stellas are "international" not in their conformity to other world gold coins, but in the fact that they state their weight and the relative proportions of gold and silver on their face. Presumably, gold was more appreciated worldwide in 1879 than were U.S. Dollars, thus it was easier to determine the value of 6 grams of pure gold than it was to convert $4 based on some market or government-imposed rate. Regardless of intent, the Stella experiment failed and was abandoned. Ultimately, the Dollar became an international currency all on its own, not due to experiments such as this, but because of the strength and stability of U.S. markets. But, enough of economics, let's get back to this remarkable coin! (PCGS # 8057) .
Estimated Value $80,000 - 90,000.
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| Realized $103,500 |
