NGC-graded Stella Realizes $222,187 in GreatCollections Auction

An 1879 Flowing Hair $4 Stella graded NGC PF 65+ Ultra Cameo realized $222,187 in a GreatCollections sale that ended April 26, 2020. The result represents one of the highest prices realized at a GreatCollections auction.

1879 Flowing Hair $4 Stella graded NGC PF 65+ Ultra Cameo. Realized: $222,187 Click images to enlarge.

Struck in Coiled Hair and Flowing Hair versions only in 1879 and 1880, the Stellas are among the most desirable coins in US numismatics. They were struck as part of a vision for a US coin that would have broad international acceptance, but ultimately the experiment did not result in a regular issue.

At a time when the opportunities to make purchases in person are limited, NGC certification is helping facilitate the trade in rare coins by providing confidence to bidders as they shop online.

"As evidenced by this strong realization, bidders obviously have confidence in coins authenticated, graded and guaranteed by NGC," said Ian Russell, owner/president of GreatCollections. "We had significant interest in this coin from collectors, dealers and investors with over 4,000 page views and 109 registered bidders tracking."

GreatCollections has several NGC-certified rarities that are expected to sell for five figures in sales ending May 3, 2020. They include:

• an 1865-S Double Eagle graded NGC MS 66, with a starting bid set at $47,500
• a 1909-S V.D.B. Lincoln Cent graded NGC MS 67 RD, with a starting bid set at $38,000
• an 1889-CC Morgan Dollar graded NGC MS 63+, with bidding already up to $31,000
• an 1881 Trade Dollar graded NGC PF 67 Cameo, with a starting bid set at $19,000
• an 1823 Half Eagle graded NGC AU 58, with bidding already up to $18,944
• an 1825 Quarter Eagle graded NGC AU 58, with bidding already up to $17,503
• a Great Britain 2014 High Relief Gold 500 Pounds graded NGC PF 70 Ultra Cameo, with bidding already up to $15,500

Other upcoming highlights in GreatCollections sales include a complete Franklin Half Dollar set graded NGC MS 64 FBL, including the key date 1953-S (with bidding ending May 17) and a collection of Mormon paper money (with bidding ending May 24 and May 31) that includes rarities such as an Illinois (Nauvoo) 1842 $1 graded PMG 20 Very Fine NET.

All estimates are provided by the auction site.