1879 $4 Stella (Flowing Hair) Value & Price Guide

The United States almost had a four-dollar gold coin. In 1879, Congress was debating whether to create a coin that could circulate internationally alongside European gold pieces like the French 20-franc, the Italian 20-lira, and the Spanish 25-peseta. The idea was a universal trade coin, valued at $4, containing 7 grams of gold (900 fine). It would match the metric gold standards used across Europe.

The proposal never went anywhere. But before it died in committee, the Philadelphia Mint struck a small number of pattern coins to show what such a piece might look like. They called it the Stella, after the five-pointed star on the reverse. Two designs were produced: the Flowing Hair version (designed by Charles Barber) and the Coiled Hair version (designed by George T. Morgan). Both are among the most desirable American coins ever produced.

Quick Value Summary

Item: 1879 $4 Stella (Flowing Hair)
Year: 1879
Mint: Philadelphia (no mintmark)
Mintage: ~425 (estimated, pattern/proof only)
Category: Coins
Condition Range:
  Proof-58 (impaired): $72,000 - $90,000
  Proof-61: $100,000 - $150,000
  Proof-63: $175,000 - $275,000
  Proof-64: $275,000 - $400,000
  Proof-65+: $400,000 - $600,000+
Record Sale: ~$700,000+ (exceptional gem examples)
Rarity: Very Rare

The Story

The Stella's origin story involves one of the more colorful characters in American monetary history. John A. Kasson, the U.S. Minister to Austria-Hungary, had been attending international monetary conferences in the 1870s and became convinced that America needed a coin compatible with the Latin Monetary Union's gold standard. He lobbied Congress to authorize a four-dollar piece.

Congressman William Wheeler Hubbell also pushed the idea, and it was Hubbell who provided the initial design concepts. The Mint's chief engraver, Charles Barber, created the Flowing Hair version, depicting Liberty facing left with long, flowing hair and a star-shaped headband. The reverse featured a large five-pointed star (the "stella") surrounded by the inscription "ONE STELLA 400 CENTS" and the specific weight and fineness: "6 G. .3 S. .7 C. 7 GRAMS."

The original Congressional authorization called for pattern pieces only. The Mint struck approximately 25 specimens in 1879 for distribution to members of Congress. These are the originals.

But then something unusual happened. The coins were so beautiful and so unusual that demand surged among collectors and the politically connected. Additional specimens were struck, with estimates of the total 1879 Flowing Hair production reaching about 425 pieces. Many went to Congressmen, Treasury officials, and their friends. According to numismatic legend, some ended up as jewelry pieces worn by madams at Washington, D.C. brothels, given to them by their Congressional clients.

The four-dollar denomination was never approved for circulation. A small number of 1880-dated Stellas were also struck (in both Flowing Hair and Coiled Hair designs), but the 1879 Flowing Hair is the most common and most collected variety.

"Most common" is relative. With an estimated 425 pieces, this is one of the rarest regularly traded US coins. Most are in proof condition since they were never intended for circulation.

How to Identify It

Obverse: Liberty facing left with long, flowing hair. A star-shaped ornament in her hair. "LIBERTY" inscribed on a headband. Date "1879" below. Thirteen stars around the border.

Reverse: A large five-pointed star (the stella) dominating the center. Inside the star: "ONE STELLA" and "400 CENTS." Around the star: "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" and the weight specification "6 G. .3 S. .7 C. 7 GRAMS" (6 grams gold, 0.3 grams silver, 0.7 grams copper, total 7 grams).

Specifications:

• Diameter: 22mm (similar to a nickel)

• Weight: 7 grams

• Composition: 85.71% gold, 4.29% silver, 10% copper

• Edge: Reeded

Flowing Hair vs. Coiled Hair:

• Flowing Hair (Barber): Liberty's hair flows freely behind her head

• Coiled Hair (Morgan): Liberty's hair is tightly coiled on top of her head The Coiled Hair version is significantly rarer (only about 10-15 known for 1879) and commands a massive premium.

Value by Condition

All 1879 Stellas are proof strikes. Condition grading reflects the state of preservation, not circulation wear.

Proof-58 (impaired proof): $72,000 - $90,000 Light handling marks or hairlines that prevent a higher grade. May have been mounted as jewelry at some point (this is surprisingly common given their history). Removed-from-jewelry examples with visible solder marks are at the lower end.

Proof-61: $100,000 - $150,000 Full proof surfaces with moderate hairlines or contact marks. Still visually appealing. This is the entry point for most collectors.

Proof-63 (Choice Proof): $175,000 - $275,000 Minimal hairlines, good eye appeal, reflective proof surfaces intact. The CPG (Certified Coin Price Guide) lists the 1879 Flowing Hair at about $230,000 in this grade.

Proof-64 (Near-Gem): $275,000 - $400,000 Nearly pristine with only the slightest imperfections visible under magnification. Excellent reflectivity and eye appeal.

Proof-65+ (Gem and above): $400,000 - $600,000+ Virtually flawless. Deep mirror proof surfaces. At this level, each coin is a significant numismatic event when it appears at auction. CPG lists values up to $3,120,000 for the finest theoretical grades.

Known Varieties

1879 Flowing Hair: ~425 struck. The most available Stella variety. This is the coin described in this guide.

1879 Coiled Hair: ~10-15 known. Designed by George T. Morgan (who also designed the Morgan silver dollar). Values: $250,000-$1,000,000+.

1880 Flowing Hair: ~25 struck. Even rarer than the 1879. Values: $200,000-$800,000+.

1880 Coiled Hair: ~10-12 known. The rarest variety. Values: $500,000-$2,000,000+.

All four varieties are patterns (Judd numbers J-1635 through J-1643 with various die marriages and metals). Some copper and aluminum striking exist and are extremely rare.

Authentication and Fakes

Given the values involved, counterfeiting is a serious concern.

Known issues:

• Cast copies: The most common fakes are cast reproductions, identifiable by their slightly soft details, porous surfaces, and incorrect weight. A genuine Stella weighs exactly 7 grams.

• Die-struck counterfeits: More sophisticated fakes exist, particularly from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. These require expert examination.

• Jewelry mounts: Many Stellas were mounted as pendants or brooches. Evidence of mounting (solder marks, file marks, loops) is common but significantly reduces value. A mounted Stella that has been "repaired" to hide the mount evidence is worth less than one with honest mount marks.

Authentication is mandatory. No Stella should ever be purchased without PCGS or NGC certification. The grading fee for a coin in this value range runs $300-$600+ for PCGS's higher service tiers, which is trivial relative to the coin's value. Any dealer offering an uncertified Stella should raise red flags.

Where to Sell

Auction houses: Heritage Auctions and Stack's Bowers are the primary venues. Both have extensive experience selling Stellas and maintain databases of past sales. The competition at major auctions drives prices to their highest levels.

Major dealers: Firms like Legend Numismatics, David Lawrence, and Monaco Rare Coins handle coins at this level. Expect a negotiated purchase price of 85-95% of estimated auction value.

Selling costs: Auction house seller's commissions are typically 5-10% for coins in this value range. Insurance for shipping a $200,000+ coin: $200-$500. PCGS/NGC grading for high-value coins: $300-$600+.

Not sure what you have? Upload a photo to Curio Comp for a preliminary identification.

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