Us Gold Coins
Live gold bullion coin and bar prices Current gold spot price $1,815.91 9:11 pm Sat. February 6, 2021. Beginning in 1794, the U.S. Mint began issuing both circulating Gold currency and Gold bullion coins. From 1838 to 1933, the U.S. Mint produced.900 fine Gold coins. Pre-1933 coins are considered extremely valuable to collectors. In 1986, the U.S. Mint began producing Gold bullion coins again, beginning with the American Gold Eagle.
Gold has been a means of survival, investment, bartering, and commerce, for humankind, extending thousands of years. Once known as the 'hobby of kings,' famous civilizations, such as the Eqyptians, thrived off of the use of gold. Not only did it make beautiful adornments for fashion, it also holds a value that has yet to see a comparable competition.
- Money Reserve is the only gold company in the world led by a former U.S. Buy with confidence online bullion, rare coins and more. An industry leader for over a decade, we.
- Another vintage U.S. Gold coin is the Indian Head series designed with a Native American in full headdress on the obverse side and a bald eagle perched on wood on the reverse. Your Pre-1933 gold coin.
Many civilizations have developed and flourished solely based on the use of gold as the standard unit of commerce. Although some of these civilizations have crashed through history, one thing remains: gold's value has only strengthened and has made its way into modernized protection of wealth and private investments.
Gold has withstood cultural divides and language blockades, adding to its value that globally speaking, everyone understands. Golden Eagle Coins specializes in a wide variety of gold bullion coins and other gold bullion products. Our large inventory caters to both the gold bullion investor as well as the collector.
Gold Bullion Coins
By far, Gold Bullion Coins are the most asked about gold bullion products we sell. This is the case for numerous reasons, one being that gold coins not only contain the intrinsic value of gold but also carry the value of its weight and gold purity, which both are backed by central banks throughout the world. Another reason gold coins are so popular, among investors, is that there is rarely a shortage of production since most gold bullion coins are minted yearly and according to demand.
Why Invest In Gold Bullion Coins?
Gold coins offer a unique investment opportunity as you are not only investing in the metal itself, but also the scarcity or rarity of the coin. Many collectors will use mintage as a guide when choosing gold coins to collect. Most larger countries are modern producers of gold coins, while many countries who have been producing them for centuries. Not only do federal governments produce gold coins but there are a number of trustworthy, world renown private mints that do as well.
Gold coins are offered beyond just the 1 oz incremental size. Each gold coin carries a monetary value, depending on the nation's fiat currency, and are struck with the minimum of .999 pure gold, wherein the Canadian Gold Maple or the Australian Gold Kangaroo are .9999 pure.
Popular Gold Bullion Coins
- American Gold Eagles: The most sought after gold bullion coin, the Gold Eagles contain 22-karat gold purity and are available in a variety of sizes: 1 oz, 1/2 oz, 1/4 oz, and 1/10 oz. As an homage to the $20 Liberty Saint-Gaudens' design, the Gold Eagles contain the same obverse design as the Pre-1933 gold relic. The reverse design is a more recent creation, first drafted by Miles Busiek in 1986, when the American Gold Eagles were first released.
- American Gold Buffalo: Another familiar design, the American Gold Buffalo design honors the 1913 nickel that was drafted by James Earle Fraser. The obverse contains a side profile portrait of a Native American Chief, while the reverse showcases the American Bison. First released in 2006, the American Gold Buffalo is one of the youngest US coin collections available. The American Gold Buffalo holds the title for first ever 24-karat gold coin, produced by the United States Mint.
- South African Kruggerand: First released in 1967, the South African Kruggerand holds the title of first gold bullion coin collection in the world. It became the exclusive vehicle of private gold ownership. In the 1980's, it's popularity took off, and the series was able to release a variety of sizes apart from the 1 oz. The obverse design features Paul Kruger, the first constitutionally elected president of South Africa. The reverse design is of South Africa's national symbol: the Springbok antelope.
- Canadian Gold Maple Leaf: One of the purest gold coins, of regular issue, in the world, the Canadian Gold Maple Leaf is produced by the renown Royal Canadian Mint. Each Gold Maple Leaf proudly carries .9999 on their reverse, indicating exactly how pure they are. The Royal Canadian Mint is a leader in coin security and production, making their Gold Maple Leaf coins impossible to counterfeit. The reverse contains a sugar maple leaf with the coin's date of mintage. The obverse contains Queen Elizabeth II's effigy, since the Royal Canadian Mint is a Crown Corporation. The Canadian Gold Maple Leaf is offered in 1 oz, 1/2 oz, 1/4 oz, 1/10 oz, and more recently, in 1/20 oz as well.
- Chinese Gold Panda: Among the few gold coin collections that change their reverse design annually, the Chinese Gold Panda series is also one of the longest running gold coin programs in the world. First minted in 1982, the Gold Panda creates a new reverse design each year that always includes a panda. The reverse showcases the famous Temple of Heaven, located in the heart of Beijing. The Chinese Gold Panda series recently changed their weights so what used to be increments of 1 oz, 1/2 oz, 1/4 oz, and 1/20 oz, are now 30 grams, 15 grams, 8 grams, 3 grams, and 1 gram.
- Pre-1933 US Gold Coins: In 1848, the Independent Treasury Act of 1848 was introduced, placing a strict money standard on business. The American Government required only gold or silver coins as a means of currency. In 1850, the $20 Liberty was first released, containing 90% gold, and became the largest gold coin to be used as money, at the time. Before that, the $10 eagles were the largest gold coin but frustrated the public since the need for more of them was apparent depending on transaction sizes. In 1907, the $20 Saint-Gaudens gold coin replaced the $20 Liberty. All gold coin production ceased in 1933, when the Gold Standard ended. Pre-1933 coins carry hefty values and have become very popular among investors, as well as collectors. Golden Eagle Coin's Pre-1933 Gold Coins inventory contains an extremely competitive variety.
- Austrian Gold Philharmonic: Minted at the historic Austrian Mint in Vienna, internationally famous for producing exceptional gold coins for more than 800 years, the Austrian Gold Philharmonic is one of the most beautiful modern gold bullion coins. Beginning in 1989, the Austrian Mint first issued their Gold Philharmonic series, in hopes of honoring the greatness that is the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra. Designed by Thomas Pesendorfer, the Austrian Gold Philharmonics contain the same design each year and are guaranteed to be .9999 pure. The weights are offered in 1 oz, 1/2 oz, 1/4 oz, and 1/10 oz.
- Mexican Gold Libertad: The Mexican Mint is one of the oldest mints in the Western Hemisphere and has quite the reputation among other countries. In 1921, the Mexican Mint made a gold coin called the Centenario, that represents the 100th year anniversary of Mexico's independence from Spain. A winged Victoria was featured on this coin to celebrate their victory over their captors and their well-deserved independence from the prestigious country. The Centenario was such a beloved coin that in 1981, the Mexican Mint decided to start a bullion coin series to honor it. The Mexican Gold Libertad wasn't minted regularly until 1991, making the preceding dates more difficult to find. The Mexican Gold Libertad is offered in weights of 1 oz, 1/2 oz, 1/4 oz, 1/10 oz, and 1/20 oz.
- Australian Gold Kangaroo: Beginning in 1986, the Perth Mint released the Gold Nugget series. To join alongside the other coin series from Australia, the Perth Mint renamed the series the Australian Gold Kangaroo. Each Gold Kangaroo contains .9999 pure gold in its content. The Perth Mint also changed the design from actual gold nuggets to one of the most recognizable members of the Australian wildlife. Since the Perth Mint already began the Kookaburra series, they thought it would be a smart idea to offer other wildlife coin series and bring some much needed attention to the vast Australian outback. The Australian Gold Kangaroo features Queen Elizabeth II's updated portrait as the obverse design.
- European Gold Bullion: Ranging from English Gold Sovereigns to Swiss 20 Francs to Austrian 4 Ducats, our European Gold Bullion inventory is constantly changing and flourishing. Collectors and investors are enjoying these coins that are dated all the way back to the 15th century. Since these coins are no longer being minted, their value and demand is ever increasing. Certified versions are also available.
- Isle of Man Gold Cat: The Isle of Man Gold Cat coins were first produced in 1988, by the Pobjoy Mint. The Pobjoy Mint is located in Surrey, England and they produce non-circulating tokens, medallions, and coins for other countries. They even have stamp programs for 5 countries, including the Bahamas. The Pobjoy Mint was inspired by the small island between Great Britain and Ireland, the Isle of Man. Soon after, they learned that the Manx cat originated there and thus began their gold cat series. The Gold Cat's designs are changed annually to feature a different breed of cat. Each coin weighs 1 oz and contains 24-karat gold.
Who Mints Gold Bullion Coins?
Since Gold Bullion Coins are backed by central governments, there are numerous sovereign mints that are globally respected for their products. Some examples of these mints are:
-United States Mint: Opened their doors in 1792, as per our Founding Fathers' requests, and produced the very first American gold coin in 1795.
-Royal Canadian Mint: Founded in 1908, and released the first Canadian gold coin in 1912.
-Central Mint of China: Established in 1920, although the first gold coin in China was made around the 5th or 6th century BC.
-Perth Mint: Opened in 1899 but the first Australian gold coin was minted in 1800.
-South African Mint: The first South African gold coin was minted in 1817 and the mint opened in 1941.
Gold Bullion Bars
As far as pricing, Gold Bullion Bars are a less expensive alternative to Gold Bullion Coins, which will carry higher premiums depending on the country of their origin. Manufacturers can come from a variety of countries, with the most popular being Switzerland, United States, Canada, and Australia. Although the refineries, that produce the Gold Bullion Bars, are not backed by the central banks or government, they usually mandate an assayer to approve of the quality, purity, and weight of each product.
Normally, Gold Bullion Bars are at least .999 fine (but oftentimes are .9999) and most reputable refineries will encase them in a certificate card with a matching serial number on the bar. These certificates will also contain the weight and purity as well. Gold Bullion Bars are offered in a wider variety of sizes than the coins, ranging from 1 gram to a 5 oz bar and beyond.
Popular Gold Bullion Bars
-Random Manufacturer: Gold Bullion Bars, produced at the most admirable private refineries, offered for the lowest premium.
-Pamp Suisse Fortuna Bars: Known worldwide for its assortment of bar sizes (1 oz and 100 gram Hand Poured are the most popular).
-Perth Mint Bars: The bars contain no design and come in airtight assay card.
-Valcambi Gold Bars: 50 gram CombiBar is a creative way to obtain 50 grams of gold through 1 gram detachable bars.
-Credit Suisse Bars: Produced at one of the world's oldest refineries and comes secured in airtight assay card.
-Sunshine Mint: Investors enjoy their 1 oz bars the most.
Purchasing Gold Bullion From Golden Eagle Coins
Purchasing gold for investment purposes has traditionally been a hedge against inflation and weakness in the US dollar. For thousands of years, gold has been a store of wealth and value which continues today. Owning physical precious metals is a strategy of the very wealthy for centuries and although precious metals don't necessarily need to be your only investment, it may be wise to make them a part of your strategy moving forward.
Offering our customers competitive prices and a wide range of inventory, while also providing a positive purchasing experience, is our top priority. We appreciate honest reviews and are available through our call center or email address, if you have any questions or concerns.
Gold Bullion Coins
By far, Gold Bullion Coins are the most asked about gold bullion products we sell. This is the case for numerous reasons, one being that gold coins not only contain the intrinsic value of gold but also carry the value of its weight and gold purity, which both are backed by central banks throughout the world. Another reason gold coins are so popular, among investors, is that there is rarely a shortage of production since most gold bullion coins are minted yearly and according to demand.
Why Invest In Gold Bullion Coins?
Gold coins offer a unique investment opportunity as you are not only investing in the metal itself, but also the scarcity or rarity of the coin. Many collectors will use mintage as a guide when choosing gold coins to collect. Most larger countries are modern producers of gold coins, while many countries who have been producing them for centuries. Not only do federal governments produce gold coins but there are a number of trustworthy, world renown private mints that do as well.
Gold coins are offered beyond just the 1 oz incremental size. Each gold coin carries a monetary value, depending on the nation's fiat currency, and are struck with the minimum of .999 pure gold, wherein the Canadian Gold Maple or the Australian Gold Kangaroo are .9999 pure.
Popular Gold Bullion Coins
- American Gold Eagles: The most sought after gold bullion coin, the Gold Eagles contain 22-karat gold purity and are available in a variety of sizes: 1 oz, 1/2 oz, 1/4 oz, and 1/10 oz. As an homage to the $20 Liberty Saint-Gaudens' design, the Gold Eagles contain the same obverse design as the Pre-1933 gold relic. The reverse design is a more recent creation, first drafted by Miles Busiek in 1986, when the American Gold Eagles were first released.
- American Gold Buffalo: Another familiar design, the American Gold Buffalo design honors the 1913 nickel that was drafted by James Earle Fraser. The obverse contains a side profile portrait of a Native American Chief, while the reverse showcases the American Bison. First released in 2006, the American Gold Buffalo is one of the youngest US coin collections available. The American Gold Buffalo holds the title for first ever 24-karat gold coin, produced by the United States Mint.
- South African Kruggerand: First released in 1967, the South African Kruggerand holds the title of first gold bullion coin collection in the world. It became the exclusive vehicle of private gold ownership. In the 1980's, it's popularity took off, and the series was able to release a variety of sizes apart from the 1 oz. The obverse design features Paul Kruger, the first constitutionally elected president of South Africa. The reverse design is of South Africa's national symbol: the Springbok antelope.
- Canadian Gold Maple Leaf: One of the purest gold coins, of regular issue, in the world, the Canadian Gold Maple Leaf is produced by the renown Royal Canadian Mint. Each Gold Maple Leaf proudly carries .9999 on their reverse, indicating exactly how pure they are. The Royal Canadian Mint is a leader in coin security and production, making their Gold Maple Leaf coins impossible to counterfeit. The reverse contains a sugar maple leaf with the coin's date of mintage. The obverse contains Queen Elizabeth II's effigy, since the Royal Canadian Mint is a Crown Corporation. The Canadian Gold Maple Leaf is offered in 1 oz, 1/2 oz, 1/4 oz, 1/10 oz, and more recently, in 1/20 oz as well.
- Chinese Gold Panda: Among the few gold coin collections that change their reverse design annually, the Chinese Gold Panda series is also one of the longest running gold coin programs in the world. First minted in 1982, the Gold Panda creates a new reverse design each year that always includes a panda. The reverse showcases the famous Temple of Heaven, located in the heart of Beijing. The Chinese Gold Panda series recently changed their weights so what used to be increments of 1 oz, 1/2 oz, 1/4 oz, and 1/20 oz, are now 30 grams, 15 grams, 8 grams, 3 grams, and 1 gram.
- Pre-1933 US Gold Coins: In 1848, the Independent Treasury Act of 1848 was introduced, placing a strict money standard on business. The American Government required only gold or silver coins as a means of currency. In 1850, the $20 Liberty was first released, containing 90% gold, and became the largest gold coin to be used as money, at the time. Before that, the $10 eagles were the largest gold coin but frustrated the public since the need for more of them was apparent depending on transaction sizes. In 1907, the $20 Saint-Gaudens gold coin replaced the $20 Liberty. All gold coin production ceased in 1933, when the Gold Standard ended. Pre-1933 coins carry hefty values and have become very popular among investors, as well as collectors. Golden Eagle Coin's Pre-1933 Gold Coins inventory contains an extremely competitive variety.
- Austrian Gold Philharmonic: Minted at the historic Austrian Mint in Vienna, internationally famous for producing exceptional gold coins for more than 800 years, the Austrian Gold Philharmonic is one of the most beautiful modern gold bullion coins. Beginning in 1989, the Austrian Mint first issued their Gold Philharmonic series, in hopes of honoring the greatness that is the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra. Designed by Thomas Pesendorfer, the Austrian Gold Philharmonics contain the same design each year and are guaranteed to be .9999 pure. The weights are offered in 1 oz, 1/2 oz, 1/4 oz, and 1/10 oz.
- Mexican Gold Libertad: The Mexican Mint is one of the oldest mints in the Western Hemisphere and has quite the reputation among other countries. In 1921, the Mexican Mint made a gold coin called the Centenario, that represents the 100th year anniversary of Mexico's independence from Spain. A winged Victoria was featured on this coin to celebrate their victory over their captors and their well-deserved independence from the prestigious country. The Centenario was such a beloved coin that in 1981, the Mexican Mint decided to start a bullion coin series to honor it. The Mexican Gold Libertad wasn't minted regularly until 1991, making the preceding dates more difficult to find. The Mexican Gold Libertad is offered in weights of 1 oz, 1/2 oz, 1/4 oz, 1/10 oz, and 1/20 oz.
- Australian Gold Kangaroo: Beginning in 1986, the Perth Mint released the Gold Nugget series. To join alongside the other coin series from Australia, the Perth Mint renamed the series the Australian Gold Kangaroo. Each Gold Kangaroo contains .9999 pure gold in its content. The Perth Mint also changed the design from actual gold nuggets to one of the most recognizable members of the Australian wildlife. Since the Perth Mint already began the Kookaburra series, they thought it would be a smart idea to offer other wildlife coin series and bring some much needed attention to the vast Australian outback. The Australian Gold Kangaroo features Queen Elizabeth II's updated portrait as the obverse design.
- European Gold Bullion: Ranging from English Gold Sovereigns to Swiss 20 Francs to Austrian 4 Ducats, our European Gold Bullion inventory is constantly changing and flourishing. Collectors and investors are enjoying these coins that are dated all the way back to the 15th century. Since these coins are no longer being minted, their value and demand is ever increasing. Certified versions are also available.
- Isle of Man Gold Cat: The Isle of Man Gold Cat coins were first produced in 1988, by the Pobjoy Mint. The Pobjoy Mint is located in Surrey, England and they produce non-circulating tokens, medallions, and coins for other countries. They even have stamp programs for 5 countries, including the Bahamas. The Pobjoy Mint was inspired by the small island between Great Britain and Ireland, the Isle of Man. Soon after, they learned that the Manx cat originated there and thus began their gold cat series. The Gold Cat's designs are changed annually to feature a different breed of cat. Each coin weighs 1 oz and contains 24-karat gold.
Who Mints Gold Bullion Coins?
Since Gold Bullion Coins are backed by central governments, there are numerous sovereign mints that are globally respected for their products. Some examples of these mints are:
-United States Mint: Opened their doors in 1792, as per our Founding Fathers' requests, and produced the very first American gold coin in 1795.
-Royal Canadian Mint: Founded in 1908, and released the first Canadian gold coin in 1912.
-Central Mint of China: Established in 1920, although the first gold coin in China was made around the 5th or 6th century BC.
-Perth Mint: Opened in 1899 but the first Australian gold coin was minted in 1800.
-South African Mint: The first South African gold coin was minted in 1817 and the mint opened in 1941.
Gold Bullion Bars
As far as pricing, Gold Bullion Bars are a less expensive alternative to Gold Bullion Coins, which will carry higher premiums depending on the country of their origin. Manufacturers can come from a variety of countries, with the most popular being Switzerland, United States, Canada, and Australia. Although the refineries, that produce the Gold Bullion Bars, are not backed by the central banks or government, they usually mandate an assayer to approve of the quality, purity, and weight of each product.
Normally, Gold Bullion Bars are at least .999 fine (but oftentimes are .9999) and most reputable refineries will encase them in a certificate card with a matching serial number on the bar. These certificates will also contain the weight and purity as well. Gold Bullion Bars are offered in a wider variety of sizes than the coins, ranging from 1 gram to a 5 oz bar and beyond.
Popular Gold Bullion Bars
-Random Manufacturer: Gold Bullion Bars, produced at the most admirable private refineries, offered for the lowest premium.
-Pamp Suisse Fortuna Bars: Known worldwide for its assortment of bar sizes (1 oz and 100 gram Hand Poured are the most popular).
-Perth Mint Bars: The bars contain no design and come in airtight assay card.
-Valcambi Gold Bars: 50 gram CombiBar is a creative way to obtain 50 grams of gold through 1 gram detachable bars.
-Credit Suisse Bars: Produced at one of the world's oldest refineries and comes secured in airtight assay card.
-Sunshine Mint: Investors enjoy their 1 oz bars the most.
Purchasing Gold Bullion From Golden Eagle Coins
Purchasing gold for investment purposes has traditionally been a hedge against inflation and weakness in the US dollar. For thousands of years, gold has been a store of wealth and value which continues today. Owning physical precious metals is a strategy of the very wealthy for centuries and although precious metals don't necessarily need to be your only investment, it may be wise to make them a part of your strategy moving forward.
Offering our customers competitive prices and a wide range of inventory, while also providing a positive purchasing experience, is our top priority. We appreciate honest reviews and are available through our call center or email address, if you have any questions or concerns.
- American Gold EaglesUncirculated 1986-Date
- American Gold Buffalo CoinsBU & Proof
- South African Gold Krugerrands
- Canadian Gold Maple Leafs1979-Date
- Gold Bars1 Gram to Kilo
- Gold CoinsPopular Bullion Coins
- Pre-1933 US GoldExtra Fine, AU, BU
- European Gold BullionSovereigns, 20 Francs, Ducats
- Austrian Philharmonic Gold Coins
- Chinese Gold Pandas
- Mexican Gold Coins
- British Royal Mint Britannias & Sovereigns2014 & Prior
- British Royal Mint Queen's Beast Gold Coins
- Modern Gold Commemoratives$5 & $10
- US Mint Centennial Gold Coin Series
- First Spouse Series GoldProof & Uncirculated
- Australian Gold Lunar Series 1
- Australian Gold Lunar Series 2
- Australian Gold Lunar Series III
- Australian Gold & Perth Mint
- Isle Of Man Gold Cats
- Royal Canadian Mint Products
- Gibraltar Gold Dogs
- Singapore Gold Coins
- Gold Chinese Coins(Fans, Flowers, Lunar, etc.)
- Angel Gold CoinsAssorted Countries
- World Gold Coins
- Other Gold Products
Heritage is offering two legendary U.S. gold coins that should crack the $1 million level at its Feb. 17 to 21 Signature Auction in Dallas. Both are from the Paramount Collection.
Heritage notes that, “comprised nearly entirely of large-format gold coins and trophy coins, the Paramount Collection’s highlights are many and expansive.”
A 1907 Saint-Gaudens, Ultra High Relief, Normal Edge Lettering $20 double eagle graded Proof 68 by Numismatic Guaranty Corp. will be presented on Feb. 19. It is one of approximately 20 known examples that survive of an issue widely considered America’s most beautiful coin.
The Ultra High Relief coins are considered the most fully realized examples of sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens and president Theodore Roosevelt’s collaboration to create a coin design that would rival the most magnificent Greek coins.
The stunning but labor-intensive coins were not well-suited to regular production. Heritage explains, “Each coin required seven blows from the medal press, at a pressure of 150 tons, to bring up all the details of the design. The planchets had to be annealed and cooled in a nitric acid dip between each blow from the medal press.”
Edge lettering was imparted on the seventh strike using a three-part, segmented collar and several variants of the edge lettering are known.
A modified High Relief design was used for 12,367 coins struck for circulation later that year, and ultimately the relief was lowered again until the conclusion of the series in 1933.
Heritage calls the offered coin “a stunning work of art.” The definition is razor-sharp, as one would expect. Heritage adds, “Repeated annealing and cooling in nitric acid during the striking process removed the copper alloy from the surface of the coin, leaving a thin layer of pure gold.”
Research from Roger Burdette indicates that the offered coin comes from either the second striking period of the Ultra High Relief issues that took place between March to July 1907, or the third striking period that happened on the last day of 1907.
It is called the Norweb Specimen after former owners Emery May Holden Norweb and R. Henry Norweb Jr. and was re-introduced to the marketplace in 1997 at Bowers and Merena’s sale of the Norweb Collection where it realized $660,000.
American Gold Eagle Coins
Nearly two decades ago it brought $1.15 million at a 2003 Ira & Larry Goldberg Auctioneers sale.
The Heritage cataloger concludes, “This coin possesses a combination of almost perfect technical quality, tremendous visual appeal, and intense historic interest.”
1880 Coiled Hair $4 Stella
Another rare Proof gold issue of unmatched desirability is an 1880 Coiled Hair Stella gold $4 pattern, listed as Judd 1660 in the pattern reference and graded Proof 67 Cameo by NGC.
The gold $4 pattern denomination was an attempt to create a coin that could compete globally with popular gold trade coins, with two designs struck in both 1879 and 1880. A reported 425 1879 Flowing Hair dollars were struck as part of the proposal, a type of “salesperson sample” so to speak.
Central to promoter John Kasson’s argument for issuing the Stellas was that certain European gold coins were worth exactly the same and were interchangeable. Heritage writes in its description, “He wanted the same for the United States, a coin of ‘exact value’ to its European counterparts. In other words, Kasson wanted a coin worth $3.88, which was what the Austrian eight florin was worth in U.S. dollars. Since $4 does not equal $3.88, a four dollar gold piece would never improve matters.”
The 1880 Flowing Hair $4 Stellas are much rarer, as are 1879 and 1880 Coiled Hair Stellas and Heritage writes, “Ownership of an 1880 Coiled Hair stella is a mark of distinction, not just for those who specialize in the four dollar gold set or in the larger pattern series, but for anyone involved in American or even international numismatics.”
The Coiled Hair issues are especially mysterious since U.S. Mint records of the period are unclear as to the number struck and the purpose of them. Even the designer is debated, with tradition ascribing the Coiled Hair design to George Morgan, while Burdette’s research leans toward Charles Barber being the author of both the Flowing Hair and Coiled Hair designs.
Just 13 1879 Coiled Hair and nine 1880 Coiled Hair Stellas can be accounted for today, and the offered example is among the finest of these. Its most famous owner was Louis E. Eliasberg Sr. This example was part of Bowers & Ruddy’s 1982 auction of his collection where it realized $99,000, graded by the auctioneer as Choice Brilliant Proof 65. Bowers and Ruddy called it “a true numismatic classic the importance of which cannot be overemphasized.”
In its subject offering, Heritage explains the weakness visible in the details of the high grade survivor, writing, “Parallel striae are present on both the obverse and reverse, as always. Although these have been called adjustment marks in the past and some scholars have tried to associate them with restrikes, they are simply a result of inadequate striking pressure failing to obliterate planchet imperfections caused by the draw bench. That same lack of pressure explains softness over the central portion of the design.” These light striae are seen on all known examples.
Collectors also have the choice of two different Judd 1635 1879 $4 Flowing Hair patterns in the Feb. 19 session: one graded Proof 63 by NGC and another from the Paramount Collection in NGC Proof 65 Cameo.
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