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Show us your $4 Stellas ! Letter requesting set added.

RogerBRogerB Posts: 8,852 ✭✭✭✭✭
edited September 28, 2018 5:36PM in U.S. Coin Forum

Four dollar gold Stellas have a prominent place the the Guide Book of US Coins, although no one has been able to explain why. But, since it's there, the Stella must be a coin we all collect and search for at coin shows and dealer junk boxes.

Here's a chance to post photos of your Stellas in gold and other metals. Also, tell us about the ones found in miscellaneous collections, junk boxes, grab bags and under the sofa cushions. :)

Here's one I don't happen to own....
J-1636 1879 Flowing Hair Stella, gold plated copper. (This is plated not gilded.)

Also, does anyone have an original bank-wrapped roll of these that they discovered on ebay?

;)

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Comments

  • bkzoopapabkzoopapa Posts: 178 ✭✭✭

    jack Klausen plated several copper patterns of gold coins back in the 1960-70s

  • CaptHenwayCaptHenway Posts: 32,791 ✭✭✭✭✭

    Look at how the font of UNITED STATES OF AMERICA so closely resembles that of the Liberty nickel! I'll bet you could nickel plate one of these and pass it off as a five cent piece!

    Numismatist. 50 year member ANA. Winner of four ANA Heath Literary Awards; three Wayte and Olga Raymond Literary Awards; Numismatist of the Year Award 2009, and Lifetime Achievement Award 2020. Winner numerous NLG Literary Awards.
  • BuffaloIronTailBuffaloIronTail Posts: 7,550 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @CaptHenway said:
    Look at how the font of UNITED STATES OF AMERICA so closely resembles that of the Liberty nickel! I'll bet you could nickel plate one of these and pass it off as a five cent piece!

    I love reverse logic!

    Pete

    "I tell them there's no problems.....only solutions" - John Lennon
  • northcoinnorthcoin Posts: 4,987 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited September 22, 2018 9:22AM

    @RogerB said:
    Four dollar gold Stellas have a prominent place the the Guide Book of US Coins, although no one has been able to explain why. But, since it's there, the Stella must be a coin we all collect and search for at coin shows and dealer junk boxes.

    Here's a chance to post photos of your Stellas in gold and other metals. Also, tell us about the ones found in miscellaneous collections, junk boxes, grab bags and under the sofa cushions. :)

    Here's one I don't happen to own....
    J-1636 1879 Flowing Hair Stella, gold plated copper. (This is plated not gilded.)

    Also, does anyone have an original bank-wrapped roll of these that they discovered on ebay?

    ;)

    I believe there is one in a landfill somewhere. Perhaps its owner, who posts here regularly, could post a photo of the landfill for all to share?

  • fiftysevenerfiftysevener Posts: 928 ✭✭✭✭

    @boiler78 said:

    Seems like PCGS just sometimes forgets to add the Cameo at the end or does it really not matter in the grand scheme of things.

  • pocketpiececommemspocketpiececommems Posts: 6,052 ✭✭✭✭✭

    Does anyone own a holed one :#

    Pocketpiececommemoratives

    Lafayette Grading Set
  • bronco2078bronco2078 Posts: 10,425 ✭✭✭✭✭

    Remind me monday to run to the bank and grab my roll from the sdb

  • SmudgeSmudge Posts: 9,824 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @RogerB said:
    If "boiler78" ever displays his collection, he'll have to provide bibs to absorb all the drooling collectors. :)

    Pavlov's dog comes to mind. I will need a beach towel.

  • SwampboySwampboy Posts: 13,117 ✭✭✭✭✭

    I Love!!!! Stella’s

    "Inspiration exists, but it has to find you working" Pablo Picasso

  • Alltheabove76Alltheabove76 Posts: 1,520 ✭✭✭✭

    From ebay.
    https://images.pcgs.com/TrueView/35377771_max.jpg

    My Liberty Caps
    My Early Large Cents
  • AUandAGAUandAG Posts: 24,943 ✭✭✭✭✭

    Here's mine below.

    bob :)

    Registry: CC lowballs (boblindstrom), bobinvegas1989@yahoo.com
  • MWallaceMWallace Posts: 4,356 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @BryceM said:
    Here's a photo of the one Fred used to own. If you can't see it, look closely on the right side, about 1/2 way down.....

    image

    For those who think a photo like this trashes up the place...... I'll take it down in a day or two. :)

    Cruel.

    http://www.SmallDollars.com
  • jdimmickjdimmick Posts: 9,784 ✭✭✭✭✭

    Bryce,

    that's actually quite comical. Id leave it up, based on fred's commentary he pretty much realizes its gone, and now can probably get a laugh out of it.

    Boiler , very nice coin. Would always have liked to own one of these, but would want a nice one, and unfortunately out of my price range. I would have to liquidate too much to cover one.

  • SeatedTonersSeatedToners Posts: 392 ✭✭✭✭

    @MWallace said:

    @BryceM said:
    Here's a photo of the one Fred used to own. If you can't see it, look closely on the right side, about 1/2 way down.....

    image

    For those who think a photo like this trashes up the place...... I'll take it down in a day or two. :)

    Cruel.

    Wait! Did one of these actually get thrown away??!

  • BryceMBryceM Posts: 11,863 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited September 22, 2018 5:50PM

    Oh, maybe cruel, but from the tone of Fred's other posts here (a search makes it easy to find a few) I agree with what @jdimmick said.

    Sorry for the gauche post. I really love Stellas and have oogled a few at lot viewing and at dealer tables. The ones posted here are exceptional.

  • lkeneficlkenefic Posts: 8,598 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @SeatedToners said:

    @MWallace said:

    @BryceM said:
    Here's a photo of the one Fred used to own. If you can't see it, look closely on the right side, about 1/2 way down.....

    image

    For those who think a photo like this trashes up the place...... I'll take it down in a day or two. :)

    Cruel.

    Wait! Did one of these actually get thrown away??!

    Yep... that's my understanding. .. in a landfill in Yorba Linda or some such place...

    Collecting: Dansco 7070; Middle Date Large Cents (VF-AU); Box of 20;

    Successful BST transactions with: SilverEagles92; Ahrensdad; Smitty; GregHansen; Lablade; Mercury10c; copperflopper; whatsup; KISHU1; scrapman1077, crispy, canadanz, smallchange, robkool, Mission16, ranshdow, ibzman350, Fallguy, Collectorcoins, SurfinxHI, jwitten, Walkerguy21D, dsessom.
  • kiyotekiyote Posts: 5,588 ✭✭✭✭✭

    Like a lot of us, I can’t see the mention of four dollars Stella’s without thinking of Fred. He has my 100% sympathy.

    "I'll split the atom! I am the fifth dimension! I am the eighth wonder of the world!" -Gef the talking mongoose.
  • HoledandCreativeHoledandCreative Posts: 2,832 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @pocketpiececommems said:
    Does anyone own a holed one :#

    I wish, am still looking.

  • MWallaceMWallace Posts: 4,356 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @lkenefic said:

    @SeatedToners said:

    @MWallace said:

    @BryceM said:
    Here's a photo of the one Fred used to own. If you can't see it, look closely on the right side, about 1/2 way down.....

    image

    For those who think a photo like this trashes up the place...... I'll take it down in a day or two. :)

    Cruel.

    Wait! Did one of these actually get thrown away??!

    Yep... that's my understanding. .. in a landfill in Yorba Linda or some such place...

    The story is told by Fred here:
    https://forums.collectors.com/discussion/comment/11780538#Comment_11780538

    http://www.SmallDollars.com
  • jmski52jmski52 Posts: 23,281 ✭✭✭✭✭

    The closest I ever got to owning one of these is when I would see them in an ad in the back of comic books back in the 1960s.

    Q: Are You Printing Money? Bernanke: Not Literally

    I knew it would happen.
  • lkeneficlkenefic Posts: 8,598 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @MWallace said:

    @lkenefic said:

    @SeatedToners said:

    @MWallace said:

    @BryceM said:
    Here's a photo of the one Fred used to own. If you can't see it, look closely on the right side, about 1/2 way down.....

    image

    For those who think a photo like this trashes up the place...... I'll take it down in a day or two. :)

    Cruel.

    Wait! Did one of these actually get thrown away??!

    Yep... that's my understanding. .. in a landfill in Yorba Linda or some such place...

    The story is told by Fred here:
    https://forums.collectors.com/discussion/comment/11780538#Comment_11780538

    Thanks for the link!

    Collecting: Dansco 7070; Middle Date Large Cents (VF-AU); Box of 20;

    Successful BST transactions with: SilverEagles92; Ahrensdad; Smitty; GregHansen; Lablade; Mercury10c; copperflopper; whatsup; KISHU1; scrapman1077, crispy, canadanz, smallchange, robkool, Mission16, ranshdow, ibzman350, Fallguy, Collectorcoins, SurfinxHI, jwitten, Walkerguy21D, dsessom.
  • RogerBRogerB Posts: 8,852 ✭✭✭✭✭

    Nice coin, Traz!

    Anyone know why these are in the Guide Book as part of the regular series of coins? They are pattern pieces and not actually coins.

  • ZoinsZoins Posts: 34,401 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @Alltheabove76 said:
    From ebay.
    https://images.pcgs.com/TrueView/35377771_max.jpg

    Here you go:

    Private Mint News | 2010 Lincoln Reverse Finalists
  • Timbuk3Timbuk3 Posts: 11,658 ✭✭✭✭✭

    Yup, heard about that !!! :'(

    Timbuk3
  • BeefCurry808BeefCurry808 Posts: 234 ✭✭✭✭

    Theres 2 different kinds of collectors, those who can afford it and then those like me who couldnt :(:s

    Curry's "Prism of Color" Wheatbacks 1909-1958
    My Instagram
  • RegulatedRegulated Posts: 2,994 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @Lakesammman said:
    I know a guy at work who claims he got one as a Xmas present/tip as a paperboy about 50 yeas ago but it's in a SDB in Chicago so he's never had a chance to show it to me. He says it's XF - he told the lady it was way too much for a tip but she insisted.

    Here's mine. Boiler - you need to get your money back on that True-View!

    Still my favorite Stella - the color on it is mind boggling. Now if we can figure out how to prove that the planchet was rinsed in a base, rather than an acid...


    What is now proved was once only imagined. - William Blake
  • RegulatedRegulated Posts: 2,994 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @RogerB said:
    Nice coin, Traz!

    Anyone know why these are in the Guide Book as part of the regular series of coins? They are pattern pieces and not actually coins.

    Tradition. I'd guess it is because of the fact that it's a denomination that never made it out of the pattern stage.


    What is now proved was once only imagined. - William Blake
  • DRUNNERDRUNNER Posts: 3,901 ✭✭✭✭✭

    No ownership here . . . but I have held Lakes' in my hand . . . .

    (and he held 'BagBurn' :-) )

    Drunner

  • logger7logger7 Posts: 9,074 ✭✭✭✭✭

    Didn't Phillip Sydney write about her? https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Astrophel_and_Stella

    Col. Jessup talked about guy's hitting a level of financial success and wanting one. Seriously, I saw a guy walk into a NY show where I was once set up looking to sell his, that was MS or PR63 and he didn't want a paper trail for whatever reason. A dealer worked out a purchase price.

  • RegulatedRegulated Posts: 2,994 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited September 23, 2018 4:14PM

    @KindaNewish said:
    I payed $4.50 for one of these at an Olive Garden in Holmdel N.J. last month.
    Sadly, it's long gone.

    They nicked you for 50 cents - Stellas are $4.


    What is now proved was once only imagined. - William Blake
  • RogerBRogerB Posts: 8,852 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @Regulated said:

    @RogerB said:
    Nice coin, Traz!

    Anyone know why these are in the Guide Book as part of the regular series of coins? They are pattern pieces and not actually coins.

    Tradition. I'd guess it is because of the fact that it's a denomination that never made it out of the pattern stage.

    Yeah, but when I put down my fiddle and slide off the roof, it's still there. :)

  • RegulatedRegulated Posts: 2,994 ✭✭✭✭✭

    Believe me, if they find the original dies for the Continental Dollars in Cologne, Germany with a letter from Elias Gervais explaining that they're souvenir medals, I'd be shocked if they changed much of anything about how they present the pieces in the Redbook. The status quo never has any interest in logic or truth, just in maintaining itself.


    What is now proved was once only imagined. - William Blake
  • RogerBRogerB Posts: 8,852 ✭✭✭✭✭

    The "Continental dollar"story has been so convincingly debunked that it would be difficult to pretend it "didn't exist."

    Things change as we question more and learn more. (When I think back to the 3 Renaissance books I realize that almost everything in them was unknown, or known only as broad generalizations, at the time of publication.)

  • SeattleSlammerSeattleSlammer Posts: 10,066 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @DRUNNER said:
    No ownership here . . . but I have held Lakes' in my hand . . . .

    (and he held 'BagBurn' :-) )

    Drunner

    And I held both! Those 2 would make a pretty sweet Box Of 2. :smiley:

  • SwampboySwampboy Posts: 13,117 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited September 24, 2018 9:23AM

    Huge thrill just to hold this beauty B)

    "Inspiration exists, but it has to find you working" Pablo Picasso

  • ZoinsZoins Posts: 34,401 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @FredWeinberg said:
    I’m just glad it was 30 years ago – parentheses or more – no hard feelings for me I laugh every time someone mentions the situation – I always took full responsibility since I was the last one who handled it That Friday afternoon – always brings a smile to me now

    Sh*t happens.

    Glad you’re ok with it.

    At least it wasn’t a unique coin!

    Private Mint News | 2010 Lincoln Reverse Finalists
  • ashelandasheland Posts: 23,784 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @Lakesammman said:
    I know a guy at work who claims he got one as a Xmas present/tip as a paperboy about 50 yeas ago but it's in a SDB in Chicago so he's never had a chance to show it to me. He says it's XF - he told the lady it was way too much for a tip but she insisted.

    Here's mine. Boiler - you need to get your money back on that True-View!

    :o

    My YouTube Channel

  • RogerBRogerB Posts: 8,852 ✭✭✭✭✭

    So far, no one has come up with a logical reason to include this pattern piece among legal tender coins.

  • BillJonesBillJones Posts: 34,843 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited September 27, 2018 10:28AM

    I have never owned a Stella. The closest I ever came was when one of the "go-to" dealers I know had a couple of them as gold plated copper patterns. The price was closer to what I could afford, but I still didn't pull the trigger.

    I don't think that these coins have a place among the legal tender coins. They are patterns, but there are three reasons why they get included:

    1. They have a listing in the Red Book that makes them look like normal coins.
    2. The reported mintage for the 1879 Flowing Hair type is "425+" in solid gold. That is high for a pattern, but there is no evidence that these coins had an imparct on the econonmy of the period.
    3. Making them a general issue expands the market for them, which increases prices and overall demand. Dealers are always looking for one more thing to sell.
    Retired dealer and avid collector of U.S. type coins, 19th century presidential campaign medalets and selected medals. In recent years I have been working on a set of British coins - at least one coin from each king or queen who issued pieces that are collectible. I am also collecting at least one coin for each Roman emperor from Julius Caesar to ... ?
  • ashelandasheland Posts: 23,784 ✭✭✭✭✭

    I will not be including one of them in my gold type set. :D

    My YouTube Channel

  • RogerBRogerB Posts: 8,852 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited September 27, 2018 10:43AM

    Goloid dollars and Metric dollars have the same mintages as Stellas - they were sold in sets of three pieces.

    Why aren't they in the regular issue part of the Guide Book?

    The explanation from the present Whitman Publishing LLC is that this was done by Richard Yoe and every edition followed the same pattern (yes -- it's a pun).

    Maybe it's about time to reorganize this and put Stellas in their correct place in the Guide Book and its cousins?

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