The rarest of all Stellas. Original sold for $1.2 Million!
1880 Coiled Hair $4 Stella Golden Proof
Item # 1803126
The $4 gold Stella is one of the most famous and coveted U.S. coins. The Stella was minted in 1879 and 1880 in two types: Charles E. Barber's Flowing Hair type and George T. Morgan's Coiled Hair type. The coin was christened “Stella”- Latin for ‘Star’, because of the five-point star adorning the reverse. Today, these coins are extremely rare and very much in demand as one of America's premier numismatic works of art.
The $4 Stella
This bronze proof replica is layered in pure 24 karat Gold and is a highly-detailed tributeroof of the Coiled Hair Stella, which was designed by George T. Morgan – famous for designing the Morgan Silver Dollar. The original Gold Stella was struck for only two years – 1879 and 1880. Because of the extremely low mintage --- Only 20 pairs of both types could ever have existed! (the 1879 has the highest mintage – 440. Only 10 of the Coiled hair type were struck each year--- for a total of 20).
International Currency
The $4 Stella was an attempt by the U.S. Mint to create a gold coin that was comparable to the gold coins used in Europe – which had a value of approximately $3.88. It was proposed that the denomination be $4.00 (400 cents) and be called STELLA – since U.S. gold coinage was based on the concept of the EAGLE and both the star and the eagle were national emblems of our country. However, the idea of an International Coin was rejected by Congress and the Stella was destined to remain a two-year Pattern and never be issued as a circulating coin.
From the Congressional Chambers to the Brothels of Washington: The Scandalous Stella
In their day, $4 Stella gold pattern coins provided a very juicy scandal and many laughs at the expense of Congressmen who had ordered a special striking of these coins. The story broke that while no coin collector could obtain a Stella from the Mint at any price, these coins in special holders adorned the bosoms of Washington’s most famous madams, whose brothels were favored by those same congressmen. Even today, several dozen actual Stellas exist which still exhibit traces of these infamous necklace loops.
10 mil 24 karat Golden Proof Edition
Now, for the first time, Collectible America is proud to offer this legendary Gold coin as a 10 mil 24 karat Golden Proof. Struck in one ounce of brass and then lavishly-layered in 10 mils of 24 karat Gold, the 1880 Coiled Hair Stella Golden Proof features intricately hand-sculpted details and gleaming cameo frosted proof surfaces. It is a true masterpiece of proof minting befitting a US Gold Treasure! Each Golden Proof is accompanied by a fascinating story card revealing its legacy and lore.
$100 Million American Gold Classics Collection
This Coiled Hair $4 Stella Golden Proof is actually part of a complete 24-proof collection called the $100 Million American Gold Classics Collection, which represent the absolute ULTIMATE dream collection of US Gold!! Here’s your chance to experience all the beauty and history of this classic American gold treasure in hand-sculpted, proof-struck golden replicas minted under Federal Law 16CFR304.
Weight: 1 Troy Ounce
Diameter: 39mm
Composition: Base Metal layered in 100 mil Silver and 10 mil of 24k gold
Since 1981, Collectible America has procured rare coins, secured bullion, and struck medallions for the American numismatic public as an independent private mint, not affiliated with the United States Government. This independence provides the cornerstone for our commitment to excellence in both product and service, and, most important, it guarantees to our customers essential rights and complete satisfaction.
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