1879 $4 Flowing Hair, CAM PR(PCGS#88057)

The May 2013 ANA National Money Show

拍卖行

Stack's Bowers

批号

1293

等级

PR64+

价格

1,089,772

详细说明

1879 Four-Dollar Gold Stella. Flowing Hair. Judd-1635, Pollock-1833. Rarity-3. Gold. Reeded Edge. Proof-64+ Cameo (PCGS). Secure Holder. An enticing example of this prized issue. Strong contrast between the frosted devices and nicely mirrored fields earned this coin the Cameo designation, and add much to the visual appeal. The strike is sharper than average for this issue, which often shows central softness, and the usual planchet striations are faint, running just about horizontal through Liberty's curls behind her eye. Often these striations are much heavier and can even be distracting on these impressive gold patterns, but not in the present case. As the planchets were rolled out, the crushing rollers that defined the thickness of the planchets must have been worn from use and thus imparted fine lines to the gold ingot as it was drawn to the proper thickness. No copper specks or handling issues, which is ideal for collectors, though it can make the pedigree of such a piece difficult to trace. Certainly one of the more visually and technically desirable examples for both the grade and the Cameo contrast. Both obverse and reverse designs were by Charles E Barber. A bust of Liberty facing left is centered, with long flowing curls down below her shoulder. She wears a tiara inscribed LIBERTY in small letters on the side. The date 1879 is below and the surrounding legend reads * 6 * G * .3 * S. * .7 * C * 7 * G * R * A * M * S *, abbreviation for the fineness, 6 grams gold, .3 grams silver and .7 grams copper for a sum of 7 grams total. The use of grams would be understood in Europe where these were eventually to circulate according to the plan of Representative John Adams Kasson. After two years of limited production, these were no longer seen as viable competitors for internationally recognized gold coinage. Today their unusual denomination and