Coiled Hair Stella Pattern Rarity highlighted in our 2026 June Showcase Auction

The Coiled Hair Stella is one of the most coveted issues in American numismatics. Minted during only two years, in 1879 and 1880, there is just a handful known of each date and any appearance is an opportunity for specialists. The obverse design is by George T. Morgan with a bust of Liberty facing left, her hair in a complex braid wrapped in a coil at the top of her head. The reverse is the same seen paired with the Flowing Hair obverse, engraved and designed by Charles E. Barber. The central feature is a raised five-pointed star, with a beaded inset border.

Unlike its identically dated Flowing Hair counterpart, the 1879 Coiled Hair Stella is very rare and seldom encountered in today’s market. This type was prepared in only limited numbers, whereas several hundred examples of the 1879 Flowing Hair were struck in early 1880 for distribution to members of Congress and other government officials. Only 14 gold 1879 Coiled Hair Stellas (Judd-1638) are believed extant. The copper strikings (Judd-1639, as here) are equally as rare with Saul Teichman’s census linked to the uspatterns.com website tracing only 11 or 12 distinct specimens. Of these, at least eight have been gilt to simulate their gold counterparts; two are impounded in the collections of the Smithsonian Institution and Connecticut State Library. The present specimen, offered in the June 2026 Rarities Night Session is not included in the Teichman census.

This Choice Proof  is richly toned with copper-blue outlining to the obverse periphery and devices that yield to lighter golden-brown within the field and atop the motifs. The reverse is more evenly toned in copper-russet with underlying rose, olive-gold and steel-blue iridescence. A few faint carbon spots on Liberty’s cheek and in the field before the eye help explain the Proof-64 grade, but blend into the toning and are easily overlooked in most viewing situations. With a sharp strike and overall attractive appearance, as well as being housed in an OGH Rattler, this coin would make an outstanding addition to an advanced type set of classic U.S. Mint gold denominations.

For more information about the Stack’s Bowers Galleries June 2026 Showcase Auction visit StacksBowers.com. To consign your coins or paper money to one of our future sales call 800-458-4646 or email [email protected].