Spectacular 1879 Stella Realizes Over $250,000 in Heritage Sale

A spectacular example of an 1879 Stella rose to the top as collectors competed in a recent Heritage Auctions sale. Realizing $264,000, the Stella was among several rare coins certified by Numismatic Guaranty Company™ (NGC®) that had amazing results in the US Coins Signature Auction, which took place December 19, 2021.

The 1879 Flowing Hair $4 Stella graded NGC PF 66 Ultra Cameo (lot 3388) is one of about 500 that were struck as part of an experiment to create a coin that would be accepted globally. This coin’s design was created by famed engraver Charles Barber.

1879 Flowing Hair $4 Stella graded NGC PF 66 Ultra Cameo. Realized: $264,000 Click images to enlarge.

Another highlight in the sale was a 1863 Seated Liberty Dollar that realized $114,000. Graded NGC MS 67, this high-grade example (lot 3342) once belonged to Chicago Cubs right fielder Andre Dawson, who is now in the Baseball Hall of Fame. The coin is a superstar itself, being unsurpassed in the NGC Census.

1863 Seated Liberty Dollar graded NGC MS 67. Realized: $114,000 Click images to enlarge.

Other NGC-certified highlights in the sale included:

• a 1797 Silver Dollar with 10x6 Large Letters graded NGC MS 63 (lot 3337) that realized $78,000
• an 1811 Cent graded NGC MS 65 BN (lot 3282) that realized $37,200
• a 1799/8 Silver Dollar with 15 Stars on Reverse graded NGC MS 63+ (lot 3339) that realized $36,000
• an 1891 Morgan Dollar graded NGC PF 67 Ultra Cameo (lot 3362) that realized $30,000
• a 1904-S Half Dollar graded NGC MS 65 (lot 3330) that realized $22,800
• an 1815/2 Half Dollar graded NGC MS 62 (lot 3325) that realized $21,600
• an 1830 Quarter Eagle graded NGC MS 61 (lot 3378) that realized $21,600
• an 1862-S Quarter Eagle graded NGC MS 61 (lot 3379) that realized $20,400
• a 1900-S Morgan Dollar graded NGC MS 67 with Kenneth Bressett NGC Signature Label (lot 3358) that realized $20,400

All prices realized include the buyer’s premium.