N
NewsMaker
Administrator
- USD
- $40,998,899
- Gold
- G4,000
In the 1870s, in the wake of the Industrial Revolution, international trade was rapidly expanding. The United States exported cotton, iron, copper, and manufactured goods. However, American businesses faced a major challenge: currency compatibility. While countries like Spain had the 20-peseta, Italy the 20-lire, and Britain the sovereign—all widely recognized in global markets—the U.S. lacked a coin that was similarly accepted in international trade. 
In 1879, John A. Kasson, the U.S. envoy to Austria-Hungary, proposed a U.S. $4 gold coin that would state its metallic content in the metric system, making it more simple for Europeans to use.
Some in the U.S. government thought this coin could be the basis for a new international monetary system and could facilitate international trade and travel for U.S. citizens.
Today, that $4 gold coin is reverently known as Stella and the stories around this legendary coin abound in the numismatic community.
To explore the idea of a new $4 gold coin, the U.S. mint developed a pattern coin—never circulated—as an example for the U.S. Congressmen to review. The beautiful $4 gold coin which features a five-pointed star on the reverse was quickly nicknamed Stella. Why? The Latin word for star is stella.
Designed by Charles Barber, the Flowing Hair $4 Stella had a tiny mintage of 425. While never circulated and never offered for sale to the public, these fascinating coins were emerging in the most unlikely places.
Following their release to Congress for review, these coins made with 7 grams of gold, were famously spotted as medallion necklaces hung on madam’s bosoms in high-end brothels in Washington D.C. These brothels were known to serve illustrious clientele – like U.S. Congressmen.
These fancy D.C. brothels were infamous for large oil paintings, fancy red plush parlor furniture, pricey European carpets, and real silver on the table. Guests and residents feasted on gourmet meals. The expensive French champagne was ever-flowing. And in these brothels, Washington’s most famous madams proudly flaunted these exceedingly rare coins. Some Stellas can be found today that reveal traces of the necklace loops.
Congress ultimately rejected the idea of an international coin. Today, the $4 Stella is extremely rare and in high demand as an example of America’s outstanding numismatic art. As a “type” coin, some might call it one of the most influential and sought after 19th century gold coins ever minted. In an unusual twist for American coinage, because Stella was intended for international commerce, the obverse states its metallic content in the metric system and the coin bears an unusual inscription “★6★G★.3★S★.7★C★7★G★R★A★M★S★” on the obverse stating the gold content.
These storied gold coins were minted just over 100 years after America gained independence from England. Our nation’s economy was growing rapidly and part of America’s historic Gilded Age. Wealthy industrialists and businessmen like John D. Rockefeller, Andrew Carnegie, J.P. Morgan, and Cornelius Vanderbilt built storied empires and contributed greatly to society through their philanthropy. The $4 Stella is a historic gem from this exciting time in American history. Oh the stories this coin could tell, if it could only talk.
Want to read more? Subscribe to the Blanchard Newsletter and get our tales from the vault, our favorite stories from around the world, and the latest tangible assets news delivered to your inbox weekly.
The post The 1879 $4 Flowing Hair Stella: America’s Gilded Age Legacy appeared first on Blanchard and Company.
Read more
In 1879, John A. Kasson, the U.S. envoy to Austria-Hungary, proposed a U.S. $4 gold coin that would state its metallic content in the metric system, making it more simple for Europeans to use.
Some in the U.S. government thought this coin could be the basis for a new international monetary system and could facilitate international trade and travel for U.S. citizens.
Today, that $4 gold coin is reverently known as Stella and the stories around this legendary coin abound in the numismatic community.
To explore the idea of a new $4 gold coin, the U.S. mint developed a pattern coin—never circulated—as an example for the U.S. Congressmen to review. The beautiful $4 gold coin which features a five-pointed star on the reverse was quickly nicknamed Stella. Why? The Latin word for star is stella.
Designed by Charles Barber, the Flowing Hair $4 Stella had a tiny mintage of 425. While never circulated and never offered for sale to the public, these fascinating coins were emerging in the most unlikely places.
Following their release to Congress for review, these coins made with 7 grams of gold, were famously spotted as medallion necklaces hung on madam’s bosoms in high-end brothels in Washington D.C. These brothels were known to serve illustrious clientele – like U.S. Congressmen.
These fancy D.C. brothels were infamous for large oil paintings, fancy red plush parlor furniture, pricey European carpets, and real silver on the table. Guests and residents feasted on gourmet meals. The expensive French champagne was ever-flowing. And in these brothels, Washington’s most famous madams proudly flaunted these exceedingly rare coins. Some Stellas can be found today that reveal traces of the necklace loops.
Congress ultimately rejected the idea of an international coin. Today, the $4 Stella is extremely rare and in high demand as an example of America’s outstanding numismatic art. As a “type” coin, some might call it one of the most influential and sought after 19th century gold coins ever minted. In an unusual twist for American coinage, because Stella was intended for international commerce, the obverse states its metallic content in the metric system and the coin bears an unusual inscription “★6★G★.3★S★.7★C★7★G★R★A★M★S★” on the obverse stating the gold content.
These storied gold coins were minted just over 100 years after America gained independence from England. Our nation’s economy was growing rapidly and part of America’s historic Gilded Age. Wealthy industrialists and businessmen like John D. Rockefeller, Andrew Carnegie, J.P. Morgan, and Cornelius Vanderbilt built storied empires and contributed greatly to society through their philanthropy. The $4 Stella is a historic gem from this exciting time in American history. Oh the stories this coin could tell, if it could only talk.
Want to read more? Subscribe to the Blanchard Newsletter and get our tales from the vault, our favorite stories from around the world, and the latest tangible assets news delivered to your inbox weekly.
The post The 1879 $4 Flowing Hair Stella: America’s Gilded Age Legacy appeared first on Blanchard and Company.
Read more
