Whitman Expo
Demand for early copper and Colonial-era numismatic treasures drives strong results in Heritage Auctions' July 13 Early Copper & Colonial U.S. Coins Showcase Auction
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1879 $4 Stella. It is said that in 1879 the “originals” were made to the extent of 15 pieces, followed by an unknown number of restrikes, perhaps 700 or so, in 1880. All gold impressions seen have parallel planchet striations near the top of the hair. This reverse die was used to strike all $4 Stellas of 1879 and 1880. Although they are patterns, the $4 gold “Stellas” of 1879 and 1880 (ranked together at No. 16 in the recent "100 Greatest United States Coins" edition) are very familiar to most collectors. The extremely popular coins are listed in the "Guide Book of United States Coins" (also known as the Red Book) and are highly sought after.
Obverse Description
Flowing Hair portrait by Charles E. Barber; LIBERTY on coronet. Inscription punctuated by stars: *6*G*.3*S*.7*C*7*G*R*A*M*S*, date 1879 below.
Reverse Description
At the center is a large five-pointed star with the incuse inscription ONE STELLA / 400 CENTS; around is E PLURIBUS UNUM. DEO EST GLORIA; at the border is UNITED STATES OF AMERICA / FOUR DOL.
Catalog Information
GSID:
399987
Designer:
Charles Barber
Strike Type:
Proof
Coin Shape:
Round
Edge:
Reeded
Variety:
Stella, Flowing Hair, Gold
Variety 2:
J-1635
Coin Date:
1879
Denomination:
P$4
Designation:
PR
Mint Location:
Philadelphia
Coinage Type:
Pattern
Coinage Years:
1879
Composition:
Gold
Rarity:
3
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1879 P10c Washlady, Silver, J-1584 PR
Worth: $6,200 – $26,400
1879 P10c Washlady, Copper, J-1585 PR BN
Worth: $4,800 – $8,640
1879 P10c Morgan Dime, Silver, J-1586 PR
Worth: $5,800 – $36,000
1879 P10c Morgan Dime, Copper, J-1587 PR BN
Worth: $6,200 – $9,840
1879 P10c Morgan Dime, Silver, J-1588 PR
1879 P10c Morgan Dime, Copper, J-1589 PR BN
Worth: $6,500 – $11,400
1879 P25c Washlady, Silver, J-1590 PR
Worth: $11,400 – $43,200
1879 P25c Washlady, Copper, J-1591 PR BN
1879 P25c Silver, J-1593 PR
Worth: $16,000 – $43,200
1879 P25c Copper, J-1594 PR BN
1879 P25c Washlady, White Metal, J-1596 PR
Worth: $45,000 – $45,000
1879 P50c Washlady, Silver, J-1597 PR
Worth: $11,500 – $44,400
1879 P50c Washlady, Copper, J-1598 PR BN
Worth: $9,000 – $27,500
1879 P50c Silver, J-1599 PR
Worth: $13,000 – $32,400
1879 P50c Copper, J-1600 PR BN
Worth: $6,000 – $9,500
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Events
Midlands Coin Club Coin, Currency and Collectibles Show - SC
Location: Medallion Center
Friday, May 1, 2026
