The Stella Gold Coin of 1879 with a denomination of 4 is rich in the treasure of the American history of numismatic, because the coin is not only a symbol of ambition, but also symbol of rarity. It is considered the Crown Jewel of American Pattern Coins, where its beauty and scarcity are valued, but the message it conveys: an ambitious attempt to enter the world of the global economy in the 19 th century with the U.S. currency.
Origins of the Stella
Towards the end of 1870s the United States was looking on how it could make its currency compatible with the Latin Monetary Union, a coalition of European countries, which enabled coins in various countries to easily exchange in value of the gold. By the recommendation of American ambassador John A. Kasson, the Mint produced an experimental gold $4 coin which should have been equivalent to approximately 20 francs.
Two versions were designed:
– Flowing Hair (Charles E. Barber, 1879) – the more popular one as it depicts Lady Liberty with flowing hair.
– Coiled Hair (George T. Morgan, 18791880) – more sculptural in a much smaller quantity.
The reverse symbol of the value and ambition was the word Stella, in Latin stella, which means star.
Why It Was Never Circulated
Despite its potential as an international trading coin, the 4-denomation was confusing to the congress and it did not fit well into the American monetary system. It was produced until the few patterns were struck in the years 1879 and 1880, approximately 425 Flowing Hair and 1015 Coiled Hair. Some were bestowed upon government officials, and others were turned into pendants, which caused a scandal in the Washington society.
Rarity and Condition
The reason why collectors are obsessed with the Stella of 1879 is because it has a low mintage, amazing survival rate, and an enigmatic back-story. There are not more than **400 Flowing Hair and a dozen Coiled Hair known to-day. Proven examples of high quality cannot be found on the market frequently.
Specimens that have been graded have astronomical value:
– Flowing Hair (Proof 67 Cameo) – up to- $750,000-850,000.
– Coiled Hair (Proof 65+) such as this, with strik and clarity, up to $35 million.
They were all minted on altered half-eagle planchets (5) in common alloys (90 gold and 10 copper), so that under a microscope, the striations could be seen microscopically.
What Made the Stella a Dream Collector Coin
– Extraordinary Rarity: Of the less than 500 of each design minted, all surviving Stella are monetary experimentation on the part of the United States.
– Historical Prestige: Formulated to connect the US economy to the gold standards of Europe, this would be a prophetic forerunner of the unification of worldwide currencies.
– Congressional Controversy: The mystery and the allure of its restricted distribution were added.
– Design Excellence: Barber and Morgan worked collaboratively on a work of art that was one of the most elegant numismatic works of the time.
– Investment Value: Over the last 20 years, the prices of the auction have been doubled, which makes the Stella one of the finest investment-grade collectibles.
Market and Legacy
Elite collectors are always attracted at large auctions and they are willing to spend astronomical prices on Stellas. One sold at $384,000 as the PCGS Proof 67 Flowing Hair and another one is insured at a valuation higher than 3 million dollars as Coiled Hair Proof 65+ CAC. Analysts believe that values will keep increasing because of the scarcity in supply and growing more popular all over the world.
The 1879 stella gold is not merely a scarce item but it is the symbol of the America dream, innovations, and skilled work. In the view of collectors, the possession of an authentic Stella is the initiation into an exclusive group of numismatic history in which both the beauty and the rarity coexist in what is often referred to as the ultimate dream piece of the American coinage.
