In August 2024, a highly anticipated event will take place at the American Numismatic Association’s (ANA) Chicago World’s Fair of Money. For the first time ever, the finest set of Stella gold $4 pattern coins, listed in the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) Set Registry, will be showcased together. These rare and historic coins will be displayed at the Tangible Investments booth (#401) in the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, located in Rosemont, a Chicago suburb.
Tangible Investments, a coin dealer based in Laguna Beach, California, will present this world-class collection of gold coins, which are recognized for their historical significance and rare mintages. The set features coins that were struck in small quantities in 1879 and 1880, making them highly desirable among collectors and numismatists.
| Coin Type | Year | Design | Proof Grade | Cameo Status | Mintage | CAC Certified |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1879 Coiled Hair $4 Coin | 1879 | Coiled Hair Liberty | Proof 65+ Cameo | Yes | 20 | Yes |
| 1879 Flowing Hair $4 Coin | 1879 | Flowing Hair Liberty | Proof 67 Cameo | Yes | 425 | Yes |
| 1880 Coiled Hair $4 Coin | 1880 | Coiled Hair Liberty | Proof 65+ Cameo | Yes | 10 | Yes |
| 1880 Flowing Hair $4 Coin | 1880 | Flowing Hair Liberty | Proof 66 Cameo | Yes | 35 | Yes |
What Are Stella Gold $4 Pattern Coins?
The $4 Stella coin is a rare and unique piece of American numismatics. Created during the late 19th century, these coins were part of a series that never went into widespread circulation. Designed by famous engravers Charles E. Barber and George T. Morgan, the coins were produced in two different designs of Miss Liberty’s head: the Coiled Hair and the Flowing Hair designs.
While the $4 Stella coins were initially intended to be used as a form of international currency, they never achieved that purpose. Despite their lack of circulation, these coins quickly became a prized collector’s item due to their limited mintages and distinct designs.
The Finest Set in the Registry
The coins in this collection are some of the most sought-after items in American numismatics. Listed in the PCGS Set Registry, they currently hold the title of the finest set of Stella coins with a weighted grade point average of 66.75. Each of the four coins in the collection has been graded as a cameo, which indicates a high level of detail and sharpness. Additionally, each coin is also approved by the Certified Acceptance Corp. (CAC), ensuring its authenticity and quality.
Here’s a look at the specific coins in this rare collection:
- 1879 Coiled Hair $4 Coin – Proof 65+ Cameo, CAC, with only 20 coins minted.
- 1879 Flowing Hair $4 Coin – Proof 67 Cameo, CAC, with 425 coins minted.
- 1880 Coiled Hair $4 Coin – Proof 65+ Cameo, CAC, with just 10 coins minted.
- 1880 Flowing Hair $4 Coin – Proof 66 Cameo, CAC, with 35 coins minted.
Why Are These Coins So Special?
The Stella coins were originally struck in small quantities over a period of just two years (1879 and 1880), making them exceedingly rare. As a result, these coins have become iconic symbols in the world of coin collecting. The $4 denomination itself was unconventional, which adds to the uniqueness of the set.
Silvano DiGenova, founder of Tangible Investments, emphasizes the exceptional nature of this collection: “Of all the world-class rare coins I’ve been fortunate to handle over the past 40 years, this set tops everything.” The rarity of these coins is further highlighted by the small number of remaining specimens, making it nearly impossible for collectors to complete a similar set today.
A Once-in-a-Lifetime Opportunity
The display at the 2024 ANA Chicago World’s Fair of Money offers a rare opportunity for collectors and the general public to see all four of these stunning coins together. DiGenova believes this may be the only chance to view these superb-quality, rare coins in person.
John Albanese, CEO and founder of CAC, explains that building a set of similar quality would take over ten years. Three of the coins in the collection have such small mintages that acquiring all of them is nearly impossible. Seeing all four coins together in this exceptional quality is considered highly unusual.
The Design and Legacy of the Stella Coins
The creation of the Stella coin was driven by the desire to create a new form of international currency. The coin was meant to circulate outside the United States, representing the country in global trade. The coin’s design features a Liberty obverse and a large star on the reverse, along with the inscription “ONE STELLA,” marking the coin’s denomination.
Charles E. Barber and George T. Morgan, two of America’s most famous coin designers, each designed one of the obverse types for the coin. Barber’s design featured the Flowing Hair Liberty, while Morgan’s design showcased the Coiled Hair version.
Coin Mintage and Grading
The grading of these coins plays a key role in their value. Coins graded by the PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service) have been carefully evaluated for their quality, which makes them more valuable to collectors. The PCGS Set Registry is a comprehensive database of top-tier coin collections, where collectors can view and track the quality of different coins.
The fact that each coin in this set has received the CAC approval sticker further confirms its high quality and authenticity. The CAC approval ensures that these coins meet the strictest standards in the coin collecting world.
The Display at the 2024 ANA World’s Fair of Money
Collectors and enthusiasts will have the chance to view the Stella coin collection at the Tangible Investments booth during the American Numismatic Association’s 2024 World’s Fair of Money. The event will take place from August 6 to 10 at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, Illinois.
The World’s Fair of Money is one of the most significant numismatic events of the year, attracting thousands of collectors, dealers, and hobbyists from around the world. The 2024 event promises to be especially memorable due to the display of these extraordinary coins.
Conclusion
The finest set of Stella gold $4 pattern coins is a once-in-a-lifetime collection that represents the pinnacle of American numismatics. With their limited mintages, unique designs, and impressive grading, these coins are among the most coveted pieces in the world of coin collecting. The chance to view them in person at the 2024 ANA Chicago World’s Fair of Money is a rare opportunity that should not be missed by any serious numismatist or coin enthusiast.
FAQs
1. What are Stella Gold $4 Pattern Coins?
Stella Gold $4 Pattern Coins are rare American coins that were struck in 1879 and 1880 but never circulated. These coins were designed as part of a failed effort to introduce a new international currency. They feature two different designs of Miss Liberty’s head: Coiled Hair and Flowing Hair.
2. Why are the Stella $4 coins considered so rare?
These coins are considered rare because they were minted in very limited quantities—only a few dozen of each type were ever produced. The coins were struck as proofs, which means they were made for collectors, not for circulation. Their limited mintage and historical significance make them highly sought-after by collectors.
3. What is the significance of the PCGS Set Registry?
The PCGS Set Registry is a comprehensive list of the best-graded coin collections. Coins are graded on their quality and authenticity. The $4 Stella coin set displayed at the 2024 ANA World’s Fair of Money holds the record for being the finest set in the registry, with a high grade point average of 66.75.
4. What is the difference between Coiled Hair and Flowing Hair designs?
The Coiled Hair and Flowing Hair designs refer to the different depictions of Miss Liberty’s head on the coins. The Coiled Hair design, created by George T. Morgan, features Liberty’s hair styled in a tight coil, while the Flowing Hair design, created by Charles E. Barber, depicts Liberty with loose, flowing locks.
5. How can I see these coins in person?
The finest set of Stella $4 coins will be displayed at the Tangible Investments booth (#401) at the American Numismatic Association’s (ANA) 2024 World’s Fair of Money, held in Chicago from August 6 to 10 at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, Illinois.