Whitman Expo
1879 Stella, Flowing Hair, Gold Pattern 4 Dollars (Stella) PR J-1635 Values
Details
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: 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: 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.
Basic Information
GSID:
376654
Coin Date:
1879
Denomination:
P$4 / Pattern 4 Dollars (Stella)
Designation:
PR
Mint & Coinage Details
Mint Location:
Philadelphia
Coinage Type:
Pattern
Coinage Years:
1879
Composition:
Gold
Prefix:
Stella
Varieties and Classification
Variety:
Stella, Flowing Hair, Gold
Variety 2:
J-1635
Rarity:
R-3
Physical Characteristics
Strike Type:
Proof
Coin Shape:
Round
Design Details
Designer:
Charles Barber
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