1880 Proof Four Dollar Pattern - J-1658, Stella Flowing Hair, Gilt

Coin Details

Auction Record

$84,000 • PR64+ • 01-14-2024 • Heritage Auctions

Description

A gilt copper striking of the 1880 Flowing Hair Stella, gold-plated to simulate the appearance of the intended gold version (J-1657). The thin gold wash over the copper planchet gives this pattern the warm yellow color of genuine gold, allowing evaluation of the design's visual impact as it would appear in the intended precious metal. Gilt copper Stellas occupy a fascinating niche in the pattern hierarchy: they are neither the expensive gold originals nor the frankly base-metal copper strikings, but rather a deliberate illusion designed to bridge the gap between aspiration and economy. Charles Barber's Flowing Hair portrait — Liberty gazing leftward with hair streaming behind her — takes on a distinctly different character under the gold wash, the highlights and shadows playing across the gilt surface in ways that approximate the behavior of light on a genuine gold planchet. The gilt may show wear or lifting on circulated examples, revealing the copper substrate beneath and creating a two-toned appearance that some collectors find especially appealing.

Rarity Notes

R-7. Approximately 8-12 gilt copper examples are estimated to survive. Gilt strikings command a premium over plain copper examples due to their closer resemblance to the gold originals.

Cross References

Judd J-1658a, Pollock P-1858 (Gilt variant)