![]() ![]() Today, these stunning coins still take your breath away. gold coins developed in that fashion would be a monumental achievement. As the story goes, at a Washington dinner party one evening, Roosevelt tasked Saint-Gaudens with the grand undertaking to redesign America’s gold coins.īoth men admired Greece’s ancient coins and agreed that U.S. Roosevelt began his vision to reshape the nation’s coinage by unleashing the majestic talent of Augustus Saint-Gaudens, a brilliant sculptor of that time. President Theodore Roosevelt decided that the nation needed a more classical design on its gold coins. These lovely coins exist due to the partnership between two monumental historical figures of their day. The $4 Stella is a historic gem from an exciting time in American history.Īffectionately known as “Saints,” these are often called one of the most beautiful coins ever produced by the U.S. But, for those who have the resources, this is a gem to be treasured. In fact, this ultra-rarity may be beyond the reach of many collectors. Today, these coins are scarce and expensive. It was said that these great works of numismatic art were seen in special necklaces adorning the bosoms of Washington’s top madams, whose brothels were said to be patronized by those same Congressman. Mint, the Congressman who had received a special order for prototype viewing apparently used them as gifts and perhaps even payment. While it was said that no coin collector could obtain a Stella from the U.S. Stellas were never produced for circulation, but there was immediate collector demand for these awe-inspiring coins. The gold coin was minted in 18 and originated as a prototype to closely approximate the value of common foreign gold coins. ![]() Named for the five-pointed star featured on its reverse, there is a $4 gold coin known famously as a Stella. ![]() That this occurred so soon after the death of Charles Barber led to rumors that Barber, the Mint’s chief engraver, was the person who made the original complaint about the initials. In 1918, the initials returned, albeit smaller and on the obverse, rather than reverse. initials is essential to any Lincoln cent collection. Today, this beloved coin featuring the V.D.B. A few days later, Treasury Secretary Franklin MacVeagh sent a message: “Stop the mints!” He halted production of the coin and ordered the initials removed.īy then, almost 28 million cents were struck in Philadelphia and 484,000 at the San Francisco Mint. ![]() Internal complaints emerged over the size and placement of the initials. Quickly, however, public controversy and scandal broke out over the design, specifically the inclusion of Brenner’s initials “V.D.B” on the reverse of the coin. Newsboys famously took advantage of the huge demand, nearly doubling their money after braving long lines selling their Lincoln cents at three for a nickel. On release day – Aug– the police were called in for crowd control, as the coin was distributed for the first time on Wall Street. Roosevelt explored the idea of featuring an image of President Lincoln on the coin and ultimately accepted a coin design proposal submitted by Victor David Brenner, a sculptor, and engraver.Īmericans eagerly anticipated the release of the new Lincoln cent in 1909, this was the first ever regular issue coin in American history to feature a real person. In 1907, President Roosevelt wanted a new coin to honor the 100th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln’s birth (1809-1909). ![]()
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