Lot 2131
1879 $4 Gold. Flowing hair. PCGS graded Proof 65. A magnificent Gold Stella with delicate golden overtones on both sides. Approximately 425+ specimens minted. It doesn't mean a thing, but there is a small toned spot at UN(UM) on the reverse. A vivid gleaming gold specimen with some wonderful accents of color in the fields and on the devices of both sides. Lightly cameo frosted motifs receive their support from the fine reflective fields which wag the light back and forth that strikes its surface, and accounts for the a pleasing contrast plus the high grade it deserves. The coin is a nicely struck one for the issue, with only a trace of soft detail in some of Liberty's hair curls above the temple. Better still, few of the usual mint-caused striations are found at the centers (these often plague the case on Stellas). Surfaces are virtually pristine. Devices, the same. The grade captures the spirit of this coin's originality. All in all, we are pleased to offer to bidders a marvelous opportunity to acquire a Gem Proof example of a rare and widely admired gold coin. Pop 26; 28 finer in 66 (PCGS # 8057) .
Historic note about the confusing Judd & Pollock numbering schemes: Judd called all 1879 Flowing Hair Stellas struck in gold "J-1635." Later research developed the theory that the gold Stellas were produced in two different finenesses, to which Pollock assigned different numbers. The first, P-1832, represents pieces struck in 85.71 fine gold, 4.29 fine silver, and 10.0 fine copper. It is believed that these were the first 15 struck. Later, after interested parties requested samples of the new Pattern design, some 400 or more additional pieces were made on .900 fine gold planchets, those being designated P-1833. Students of the series find it difficult to distinguish between them other than by means of expensive non-destructive testing; the weights do differ slightly for the two metallic alloys.
Estimated Value $150,000 - 170,000.
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| Realized $168,475 |
