1879 Coiled Hair Proof Stella $4

About the Stella $4

The Stella $4 is a rare, 19th-century United States coin with a denomination of four dollars. It was available for a brief period from 1879 to 1880. Stellas are considered one of the most historically important coins ever struck in the U.S., as they laid the groundwork for the modern American Gold Eagle coins.

The coin is composed of .900 gold, which had not been used since the early 19th century in the U.S. The Stella was originally intended to become part of an international coinage standard and was struck in four and five dollar denominations. The 4-dollar coins were struck with a mintage of between 600 and 645 pieces, with an estimate of 635 specimens made in 1880.

The obverse of the $4 Stella features a bust of Liberty facing left, surrounded by the words “United States of America” and “E Pluribus Unum.” The reverse features a large, five-pointed star with the denomination written out as “4 Dol.” inside of it. The words “In God We Trust” are in the center, with the date written on the lower left side.

The Stella is one of the most sought after coins by rare coin collectors. It is quite rare, making it a highly desirable and valuable coin. It’s estimated that it is worth between $100,000 and $150,000 in mint state condition.

Collecting the Stella $4 coin can be a rewarding experience for any numismatist. It is a rare coin that represents an important moment in United States history. Those who are looking to expand their collection should consider this unique piece of American numismatic history.

The 1879 Coiled Hair Proof Stella $4 coin, has a total mintage of 12, struck at the Philadelphia, Pennsylvania mint, and engraved by Charles Edward Barber. Made of gold (.875), weighing 7 grams, with a diameter of 22 mm, and a thickness of 1.52 mm, and featuring a reeded edge.

The obverse is head of liberty left with long flowing hair wearing coronet. "★6★g★.3★s★.7★c★7★g★r★a★m★s★" and date at rim. It reads “★6★G★.3★S★.7★C★7★G★R★A★M★S★ LIBERTY 1879”. The reverse is "united states of america" and "four dol." at rim. motto and "- deo est gloria" in small letters surround five pointed star in center. star has "one" over "stella" over "400" over "cents" on it. It reads “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA E PLURIBUS UNUM ONE STELLA 400 CENTS -DEO EST GLORIA FOUR DOL.”.