"Stella! Hey, Stella!"
Goldbully
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From Stack's, The Samuel Berngard and S.S. New York Collections...............
1879 pattern $4. J-1635, P-1832/1833. Rarity-3. Flowing Hair. Proof-67 CAMEO (NGC).
Gold. Reeded edge. This flawless example of the most famous U.S. proposal for an international gold trade coin presents a splendid rendition of Charles E. Barber's Flowing Hair Liberty. As so often seen on even the rarest patterns of this busy era of U.S. Mint creativity, the detail on the highest locks is indistinct while the large star with its incuse ONE/ STELLA/ 400/ CENTS is razor-sharp. Gleaming mirror fields contrast boldly with lightly frosted reliefs for exceptional beauty and undeniable visual appeal. The Stella was never struck for circulation but has been eagerly sought by collectors ever since it was first made. The present coin is one of exactly four certified in this grade by NGC, there are none certified higher within the CAMEO designation.
The 1879 Flowing Hair Stella is the only readily collectible variety from the suite of four combinations produced in gold by the Mint in 1879 and 1880. Interestingly, the 1879 Coiled Hair variety and both varieties of 1880 were produced secretly, for private profit, and were not even illustrated in a numismatic publication until well into the 20th century, then by Edgar H. Adams in The Numismatist. With regard to the 1879 Flowing Hair Stella, several hundred of these were produced and distributed to congressmen and others of influence in Washington. These were a very desirable lagniappe, were prized by the recipients, and it is said (by Walter Breen) that more than just a few were fashioned into jewelry and given as tips or rewards to the proprietors of brothels in Washington. During that era most senators and representatives were far from home, and stayed in hotels or apartments. Politicians being imbued with a combination of ambition and aggressiveness, perhaps necessary to be elected, also often had an eye for feminine beauty. Accordingly, they were continually good customers for local madams. Unofficial gambling parlors also thrived.
Numismatists sought to acquire examples of the 1879 Flowing Hair Stella (not knowing about the other varieties that were made) and petitioned the Mint. One dealer, S.H. Herzfeld, was given an interview. It seems that some were made available, but no records were kept, or at least none exist today. The quantity struck is not known, but probably was somewhat more than 700, of which perhaps 300 or so survive today, often showing signs of handling or jewelry use, and, when not in that category, usually in lower numerical preservation such as Proof-62 or 63. The present Proof-67 is indeed incredible, a showpiece.
Current Bid: $260,000.00
Stack's Link
1879 pattern $4. J-1635, P-1832/1833. Rarity-3. Flowing Hair. Proof-67 CAMEO (NGC).
Gold. Reeded edge. This flawless example of the most famous U.S. proposal for an international gold trade coin presents a splendid rendition of Charles E. Barber's Flowing Hair Liberty. As so often seen on even the rarest patterns of this busy era of U.S. Mint creativity, the detail on the highest locks is indistinct while the large star with its incuse ONE/ STELLA/ 400/ CENTS is razor-sharp. Gleaming mirror fields contrast boldly with lightly frosted reliefs for exceptional beauty and undeniable visual appeal. The Stella was never struck for circulation but has been eagerly sought by collectors ever since it was first made. The present coin is one of exactly four certified in this grade by NGC, there are none certified higher within the CAMEO designation.
The 1879 Flowing Hair Stella is the only readily collectible variety from the suite of four combinations produced in gold by the Mint in 1879 and 1880. Interestingly, the 1879 Coiled Hair variety and both varieties of 1880 were produced secretly, for private profit, and were not even illustrated in a numismatic publication until well into the 20th century, then by Edgar H. Adams in The Numismatist. With regard to the 1879 Flowing Hair Stella, several hundred of these were produced and distributed to congressmen and others of influence in Washington. These were a very desirable lagniappe, were prized by the recipients, and it is said (by Walter Breen) that more than just a few were fashioned into jewelry and given as tips or rewards to the proprietors of brothels in Washington. During that era most senators and representatives were far from home, and stayed in hotels or apartments. Politicians being imbued with a combination of ambition and aggressiveness, perhaps necessary to be elected, also often had an eye for feminine beauty. Accordingly, they were continually good customers for local madams. Unofficial gambling parlors also thrived.
Numismatists sought to acquire examples of the 1879 Flowing Hair Stella (not knowing about the other varieties that were made) and petitioned the Mint. One dealer, S.H. Herzfeld, was given an interview. It seems that some were made available, but no records were kept, or at least none exist today. The quantity struck is not known, but probably was somewhat more than 700, of which perhaps 300 or so survive today, often showing signs of handling or jewelry use, and, when not in that category, usually in lower numerical preservation such as Proof-62 or 63. The present Proof-67 is indeed incredible, a showpiece.
Current Bid: $260,000.00
Stack's Link
0
Comments
hmmmmmmmmmmmmmm,
Worth melt.
bob
halfnut X3, Dabigkahuna, Kaelasdad, LALASD4, harvey85422458,
fivecents, Coll3ctor, cucamongacoin, Becoka
Anyway, this is a beautiful coin. It exhibits the typical striations for the issue, but any Stella is an impressive piece!
<< <i>I'm here! What did you want?
Anyway, this is a beautiful coin. It exhibits the typical striations for the issue, but any Stella is an impressive piece! >>
Stella, thanks for answering my plea!
I just missed you dearly!!!!
Not a bad coin either!!!
<< <i> Stella, thanks for answering my plea!
I just missed you dearly!!!!
Not a bad coin either!!! >>
It's good to know that someone cares...
No Way Out: Stimulus and Money Printing Are the Only Path Left
>>>My Collection
K S
As far as the coins being given to Washington DC women, that mostly included the wives and daughters of members of Congress and their political allies. The unusual $4 pieces were much sought after as were gold dollars for use in jewelry. (See The Treasurer’s Treasure in RAC 1909-1915 and the CW article on use of gold dollars.) Some quantity likely found their way to Washington bordellos, too, but it is a gross exaggeration (from Breen) to claim that any large proportion ended up there. It is also misleading to assume that the experiences of one contemporary coin dealer are in any way typical of the experience of collectors. The cost of a Goloid-stella-metric set was much more than ordinary collectors could spend: it was a very high-end luxury item not unlike a gold proof set.
Although contemporary information is presently incomplete, the difficulty might be that we are looking in the wrong places.
<< <i>is it true that members of congress gave 'em away to prostitutes?
K S >>
Nevermind. Brain cramp on my part.