Gem Proof 1880 Gold Set Captures $1.4 Million
In early December 2000, Monaco Financial assisted in the placement of the finest known 1880 Gold Proof Set. The completion of an entire gold proof set from 1880 is exciting for two reasons: First, 1879 and 1880 are the only two years in which eight coins make up the proof set. Secondly, and more importantly, is the fact that one of the coin varieties included in the set is the 1880 $4 “Coiled Hair” Stella.
The 1880 “Coiled Hair” Stella has captured the imagination of numismatists for over 120 years. It is truly one of the “Hero” coins in all of numismatics. Seen for sale only once every five to ten years or so (note: only 10 were ever minted) gem proof specimens have traded privately and publicly for multiples of six figures for decades. In fact, the best example certified by NGC, a PR67, sold privately for more than $1 million dollars in 1995.
The collector and agent that negotiated the 1880 proof set transaction were very excited to have the extremely rare opportunity to complete this exclusive set of great gold coins. The coins were all certified PR65 to PR67, and all were as spectacular as the day they were minted. The eight varieties making up the 1880 set are: A pristine $1.00 Gold Indian Head, $2.50 Gold Liberty, $3.00 Gold Princess, $4.00 Flowing Hair Stella, $4.00 Coiled Hair Stella, $5.00 Gold Liberty, $10.00 Gold Liberty and a fantastic gem $20.00 Gold Liberty.