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Lot 0437 1879 $4 Gold. Flowing Hair PCGS PR62 Cameo

Currency:USD Category:Coins & Paper Money / US Coins Start Price:50,000.00 USD Estimated At:100,000.00 - 150,000.00 USD
Lot 0437 1879 $4 Gold. Flowing Hair PCGS PR62 Cameo
A $4 denomination, one of the strangest ever proposed by the United States government, came about as interest in a gold coin for use internationally gained advocates in 1879. Both of the Mint's engravers were set the task of designing a new coin for the four-dollar gold piece or "Stella". Charles Barber's beautiful rendition employs a flowing hair motif, while George Morgan used a coiled hair design for Liberty. More than 400 of these Barber flowing hair coins were struck in 1879 (Morgan's coiled hair coins saw smaller production runs in the neighborhood of 15-25 coins).

An issue that was raised in both the David Akers' text on $4 gold coinage and the entry in Walter Breen's Encyclopedia concerns restrikes of this issue. On the flowing hair coins, many show adjustment marks on the obverse of coins that are generally supposed to have been struck in 1880. This piece is a bit softly struck over the ear as are all examples of this issue, although the clear hair separation should attract bidders' attention. There also are often numerous very light "adjustment marks" on the figure of Liberty, marks that those schooled in the techniques of mint manufacturing processes more accurately described as roller marks rather than actual adjustment to lighten the weight of the planchet. However, in examining the few 1879 flowing hair pieces which we have been privileged to offer, there is little convincing evidence, and no historical record in our opinion to prove any contention that these were restrikes from 1880.

The fields on this outstanding <I>cameo</I> frosted piece reveal thin hairlines on each side when closely inspected and there are a few tiny marks in the field around the portrait. But the major design is refreshingly bold for the type including excellent central hair definition. Furthermore, the fields glow and sparkle with true "proof" mirrors, suggesting an even higher standard than a more typical Proof 62 specimen of this rarity. A true classic in American numismatics. (PCGS holder #05062954.)