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Auction: 393 - The Alan T. Yuhas Collection of US, Ancient and World Coins - e-Auction
Lot: 94

1879 $4 Stella. Flowing Hair. Judd-1635, Pollock-1833. R-3. PCGS Genuine, Code 98 (surface damage).
As the United States explored the idea of joining the Latin Monetary Union, the U.S. Mint, at the urgings of John A. Kasson, former chairman of the U.S. House Committee on Coinage, Weights and Measures, produced a pattern coin, in 1879 and 1880, to that end. Two different designs were produced: Charles E. Barber's vision of Lady Liberty with flowing hair and George T. Morgan's version where Liberty sports a coiled coiffure.

The $4 Stella was meant to be comparable to the LMU's 20 Francs-type coins. The composition and weight of the Stella, however, did not precisely match the LMU's standard. Congress rejected both the idea of an American International Currency in the form of the Stella and the prospect of joining the Latin Monetary Union, but not before several hundred 1879 Barber-type Flowing Hair Stellas were struck in 1880 to distribute to members of Congress to study as they weighed the merits of authorizing the Pattern denomination for regular issue. Many of these coins were passed on as gifts to friends and acquaintances of the Congressmen, and many were mishandled. Some even were the source of scandal when they turned up as jewelry pieces adorning the necks of madams of Washington's most notorious bordellos. It is estimated that 425 1879 Flowing Hair Stellas were struck, just 10 1879 Coiled hair; 15 1880 Flowing Hair Stellas and 10 1880 Coiled hair.

Bold types in vibrant fields, and a somewhat muted olive-green sheen, Proof 55 details. Ex Stack's-Bowers, Baltimore, April 2, 2011, lot 6492, where it realized $74,750.