5467

1879 $4 Flowing Hair, Judd-1635, Pollock-1833, R.3, PR

Currency:USD Category:Coins & Paper Money / US Coins Start Price:32,500.00 USD Estimated At:1.00 - 1,000,000.00 USD
1879 $4 Flowing Hair, Judd-1635, Pollock-1833, R.3, PR
<B>1879<$4> Flowing Hair, Judd-1635, Pollock-1833, R.3, PR67 NGC.</B></I> It is possible that this is the single finest gold stella in existence. The surfaces have a distinctive satin finish, unlike most examples that are known, and are reminiscent of business strike coinage rather than deeply mirrored proofs. The fields on both sides have considerable mint frost that is usually not associated with proof coinage. This is an enigmatic piece, that could just as easily be called a business strike or a proof. Both sides have minor striations, like every other known example, although they are not as distinctive as seen on most other examples.<BR><BR> The strike is not full; rather, it is a bit soft at the central obverse, especially within the hair curls above Liberty's ear. Most or all other details are well defined. The surfaces are fully brilliant with bright yellow color. A few tiny copper toning spots are noted on each side, but they are not distracting in any way. A small circle of pale orange color joins the lower right curve of the D in UNITED, and should serve as an important pedigree resource. A minor depression in the surface of the central reverse star separates the S and T in STATES. This appears to be a flaw that existed when this coin was minted.<BR><BR><B>History of the Four Dollar Gold Stella</B></I><BR><BR> Western gold discoveries in the middle 19th century, in California, Colorado, and elsewhere, along with later silver discoveries, changed the national and world economic picture. A decade later, in the United States, the Civil War broke out and hoarding of precious metals rapidly increased. Meanwhile, Europe was plagued by different currencies from one country to the next, with constantly changing exchange rates. During the next two decades, several events took place that attempted to solve the varying international economic issues.<BR><BR> In June 1867, an internationa