Stein was a man of prodigious energy, practical good sense, and lofty character, but irascible, haughty, and contemptuous, and was far from being a favorite with the king and court.

In 1804 Stein became Minister of Trade, having charge of excise, customs, manufactures, and trade.

Stein, however, whose overshadowing greatness created jealousy, remained simply a baron, and spent his last days in retirement,though not unhonored, or without influence, even when not occupying the great offices of state, to which no man ever had a higher claim.