1879 Pattern Four-Dollar Gold Stella. Flowing Hair. Judd-1637a, Pollock-1836. Unique. White Metal. Reeded Edge. Proof-63 (PCGS). OGH.<strong>Obv: </strong>The Flowing Hair design by Charles E. Barber. Head of Liberty with flowing hair faces left with the date 1879 below. Liberty is wearing a coronet inscribed LIBERTY, and the inscription * 6 * G * .3 * S * .7 * C * 7 * G * R * A * M * S * encircles the border. <strong>Rev:</strong> Five-pointed star, or Stella, is inscribed with the denominations ONE STELLA and 400 CENTS. The Latin mottoes E PLURIBUS UNUM and DEO EST GLORIA are above and below the star, respectively. The legend UNITED STATES OF AMERICA is inscribed along the upper border, and another expression of the denomination FOUR DOL. is inscribed along the lower border. The fields are irregular, having a texture somewhat reminiscent of the "orange peel" type surface found on Proof gold coins of the period. There is a scattering of minor rim bumps, and close inspection reveals a small nick on Libertys cheek. Perhaps the most significant physical attribute of this piece is that it is overstruck on what appears to be a cut down white metal pattern of a different denomination/type. Remnants of the undertype are discernible on both sides but, sadly, not with enough detail to enable positive attribution. We are certain, however, that this is not merely a double struck Stella.<p>A white metal striking of the 1879 Flowing Hair Stella was unknown to Dr. J. Hewitt Judd, and is not listed in earlier editions of his pattern reference. This specimen first came to the attention of the numismatic fraternity when it was offered by RARCOA in their August 1978 sale of the N.M. Kaufman Collection. It is not known when Mr. Kaufman acquired the piece or from whom, but since he died in 1918, it is likely that the piece was in his cabinet by then. Acquired by a family member of the present consignor in our (Bowers and Merenas) June 1991 sale, and off the market since then, here is a special opportunity for the advanced collector. After this piece crosses the auction block in our current sale, it may be decades again before it reappears, if ever!PCGS# 62016.Ex N.M, Kaufman, probably acquired prior to 1918; RARCOAs sale of the N.M. Kaufman Collection, August 1978, lot 514; State Rare Coin Auctions Clarion Sale, June 1981, lot 701; State Rare Coin Auctions Meridien Sale, October 1981, lot 886; our (Bowers and Merenas) George N. Polis, M.D. Collection sale, June 1991, lot 1060.
