Heritage World Coin Auctions
CSNS Signature US Coin Sale 1254 26-28 Apr 2017
View prices realized
► Sale information
Find similar lots
Proof Four Dollar Gold Pieces
1879 $4 Flowing Hair, Judd-1635, Pollock-1833, R.3, PR61 NGC. The four dollar gold pattern, also known as a Stella, ranks among the most unusual and famous of all American coinage issues. These pieces were produced to convince Congress that coinage recognized in America and overseas was necessary to heighten international trade. Several proposals were submitted to Congress, but few made it the pattern coinage stage. These patterns are extremely popular with today's collectors, and are listed in the Guide Book alongside regular issue gold coins. Very few other patterns, such as Gobrecht dollars, share such a distinction.
Like most, or possibly all, four dollar gold pieces, this example shows fine parallel grooves of the high points on the obverse and reverse. These patterns are the same diameter as half eagles, 21.6 mm., and therefore the planchets are 80% of the half eagle thickness. There was no need to create special planchet punches to make these coins. The half eagle planchet strips were sent through the draw bench to reduce the thickness, leaving the fine parallel grooves on both sides. They were mostly eliminated during striking, but traces remain on each coin.
Both sides have excellent design definition that is only a trifle weak at the centers. The fields are reflective and lightly mirrored, while the devices exhibit satiny luster. This splendid light yellow-gold proof will certainly enjoy spirited bidding.
HID02901242017
1879 $4 Flowing Hair, Judd-1635, Pollock-1833, R.3, PR61 NGC. The four dollar gold pattern, also known as a Stella, ranks among the most unusual and famous of all American coinage issues. These pieces were produced to convince Congress that coinage recognized in America and overseas was necessary to heighten international trade. Several proposals were submitted to Congress, but few made it the pattern coinage stage. These patterns are extremely popular with today's collectors, and are listed in the Guide Book alongside regular issue gold coins. Very few other patterns, such as Gobrecht dollars, share such a distinction.
Like most, or possibly all, four dollar gold pieces, this example shows fine parallel grooves of the high points on the obverse and reverse. These patterns are the same diameter as half eagles, 21.6 mm., and therefore the planchets are 80% of the half eagle thickness. There was no need to create special planchet punches to make these coins. The half eagle planchet strips were sent through the draw bench to reduce the thickness, leaving the fine parallel grooves on both sides. They were mostly eliminated during striking, but traces remain on each coin.
Both sides have excellent design definition that is only a trifle weak at the centers. The fields are reflective and lightly mirrored, while the devices exhibit satiny luster. This splendid light yellow-gold proof will certainly enjoy spirited bidding.
HID02901242017