1879 $4 Flowing Hair, Judd-1635, Pollock-1833, JD-1, R.3, PR67 PCGS....

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Sold on Jan 5, 2023 for:

$600,000.00 Bid Source: Live: Floor bidder

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1879 Flowing Hair Stella, PR67
Judd-1635, Key United States Type
Clean Honey-Gold Surfaces, Bold Strike

1879 $4 Flowing Hair, Judd-1635, Pollock-1833, JD-1, R.3, PR67 PCGS. Ex: Harry W. Bass, Jr. Collection. In such a monumental collection of both United States patterns and gold coinage, it should come as no surprise that the Harry W. Bass, Jr. Core Collection example of the 1879 Flowing Hair stella is as pristine and attractive as it is. Indeed, this Superb Gem is tied for finest in the non-Cameo category at both PCGS and NGC, with a single Plus-graded PR67 at PCGS perhaps slightly edging it out.

The 1879 Flowing Hair stella has a way of blending seamlessly into sets of both regular and pattern coinage. Nestled within the pages of the Guide Book between circulating three dollar and five dollar pieces, this issue is regularly collected as a key United States type despite never having been adopted or authorized commercially. The Charles Barber design, which features a reverse based on the specifications of the denomination's originator, Dr. William Wheeler Hubbell, was only struck to the extent of about 425 coins for the purposes of congressional approval. Ultimately, the proposal never got off the ground, but the number of 1879 Flowing Hair stellas produced contributes to their collectibility today.

Although this outstanding rarity does not carry a formal Cameo designation, contrast between the fields and devices is unmistakable. Honey-gold surfaces appear virtually unmarked. There is a tiny alloy spot right of the date and a few more appear on the lower reverse rim. The borders all around each side are squared off and razor-sharp, and central design definition is much stronger than usual. The striations over the centers are about as faint as we have seen. Well-worth a premium bid. Population: 3 in 67 (1 in 67+), 0 finer in non-Cameo (11/22).
Ex: Purchased from John Rowe and Mike Brownlee (11/2/1970).
From The Harry W. Bass, Jr. Core Collection, Part II.(Registry values: P1)

Coin Index Numbers: (NGC ID# 28AZ, PCGS# 8057, Greysheet# 8779)

Weight: 7.00 grams

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

View Certification Details from PCGS