1879 $4 Flowing Hair, Judd-1635, Pollock-1833, JD-1, R.3, PR64 PCGS....

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1879 Flowing Hair Stella, PR64
Judd-1635, Only 425 Examples Struck
Early International Coinage Proposal

1879 $4 Flowing Hair, Judd-1635, Pollock-1833, JD-1, R.3, PR64 PCGS. The 1879 Flowing Hair stella is one of the most popular, sought-after issues in all of American coinage. Technically a pattern (Judd-1635), traditionally the stellas have also been collected as an appealing odd denomination in the American gold series. Despite a surviving population of several hundred pieces, there are never enough high-quality examples available to satisfy the intense collector demand. Heritage Auctions is privileged to showcase this attractive Choice proof specimen in this important offering.

Design of the Stella
The central obverse device of the 1879 Flowing Hair stella was a bust of Liberty with flowing locks and a headband inscribed LIBERTY, derived directly from William Barber's design for an 1878 half eagle pattern, Judd-1574. This device was adopted with minimal changes by Charles Barber for the 1879 coinage, with the specifications for the stella spelled out in abbreviated form around the borders, punctuated by stars. The large logotype date was underneath. Barber's reverse features a large five-pointed star with the four-line inscription ONE STELLA 400 CENTS. Around, an outer legend reads UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, with the denomination expressed as FOUR DOL. below. An inner legend, with words separated by the star points, reads E PLURIBUS UNUM--DEO EST GLORIA.

Origin of the Stella
The 1879 Flowing Hair stella was part of a proposed system of international coinage that could serve the international community, playing a role very similar to that of the euro in the European Union today. Traditionally, Representative John A. Kasson has been credited with the idea behind the stella, but research by Roger Burdette suggests his influence has been overstated. Kasson traveled extensively in Europe and noted the advantages a United States coin that could easily be exchanged with those of the member-countries of the Latin Monetary Union, like the French 20 francs, Austrian 8 florins, and others, would bestow on travelers. However, Kasson never expressly called for a four dollar gold piece. As a former chairman of the House Committee on Coinage, Weights, and Measures, he would certainly have known that such a denomination was not perfectly convertible with its European counterparts and thus useless.

In fact, it was a Philadelphia patent lawyer and inventor, Dr. William Wheeler Hubbell, who suggested a four dollar gold piece. The denomination fit in with his grandiose proposal for an entire system of "metric" coinage struck in his patented goloid alloy. The plan was riddled with problems and ultimately failed, but not before a host of different pattern coins were struck according to his specifications. One of them was the Flowing Hair stella.

Production and Distribution
Although it was once believed that as many as 700 examples of the 1879 Flowing Hair stella may have been struck, research by Roger W. Burdette published in the Spring 2015 issue of the Journal of Numismatic Research suggests that production was actually limited to 425 pieces. The first 25 coins were struck in December 1879 and/or January 1880. Another 100 examples were struck in March 1880, followed by 300 more in May. The coins were largely sold to Congressmen as part of sets, with the goloid metric dollars (Judd-1617 and Judd-1629) for $10. They were later offered to collectors for $15.

The Present Coin
This impressive Choice proof example exhibits sharply detailed design elements in most areas, with just a trace of softness on Liberty's hair, due to the always seen planchet striations that were caused by the rolling process. The well-preserved orange-gold surfaces include deeply reflective fields that create attractive, but unacknowledged, field-device contrast with the frosty devices. Overall eye appeal is outstanding. This coin will be a welcome addition to the finest collection or type set. The 1879 Flowing Hair stella is listed among the 100 Greatest U.S. Coins. Population: 71 in 64 (1 in 64+), 62 finer (12/25).

Coin Index Numbers: (Variety PCGS# 106660, Base PCGS# 8057)

Weight: 7.00 grams

Metal: 86% Gold, 4% Silver, 10% Copper

View Certification Details from PCGS