The Fascinating Story of the $4 Stella Gold Coin

An Ambitious Experiment in U.S. Coinage

Among the rarest and most captivating coins in American numismatics is the $4 Stella. Produced only in 1879 and 1880, this short-lived gold piece was never meant for mass circulation. Instead, it represented an ambitious experiment by the U.S. Mint to create an international trade coin that could compete with Europe’s widely used gold standards, like the French 20 Franc and the British Sovereign.

The name “Stella” comes from the star motif that appears on the coin’s reverse, symbolizing its intent to shine as a guiding light in global commerce. Though the project never advanced beyond a few hundred trial pieces, the $4 Stella remains one of the most desirable treasures in American coinage.

Image: USACoinBook

Two Distinct Designs: Flowing Hair and Coiled Hair

The Stella comes in two stunning design types, each carrying its own allure for collectors.

• Flowing Hair (1879 & 1880): Designed by Charles Barber, this version features Lady Liberty with long, flowing hair and is the more commonly seen variety.

• Coiled Hair (1879 & 1880): Created by George T. Morgan, the famed designer of the Morgan Silver Dollar, this rarer version depicts Liberty with braided, coiled hair.

Both varieties are breathtaking examples of late 19th-century engraving artistry, but the Coiled Hair version, with fewer survivors, commands even greater prestige and rarity.

Image: USACoinBook

Why the Stella Never Took Hold

Despite its elegant design and practical purpose, the $4 denomination proved awkward for commerce. The coin’s weight and gold content were carefully calibrated to align with international equivalents, yet Congress ultimately rejected the proposal. As a result, only a handful of these coins—roughly 400 Flowing Hair and an even smaller number of Coiled Hair pieces—were ever struck.

This minuscule mintage ensured the Stella’s status as an ultra-high rarity from the moment of its creation. Today, the coin serves as a reminder of America’s attempt to assert itself on the global monetary stage during the late 19th century.

A Collector’s Dream: Rarity and Prestige

The $4 Stella is coveted not only for its rarity but also for its rich backstory. Collectors prize it as a symbol of American innovation, artistry, and ambition. Owning a Stella means holding a tangible piece of an era when the United States was expanding its global reach.

Because of their scarcity, Stellas seldom appear on the open market, and when they do, they command six-figure prices. Their beauty, combined with their historic significance, makes them a cornerstone of advanced numismatic collections.

Blanchard and the $4 Stella: A Legacy of Trust

For over 50 years, Blanchard has been proud to offer collectors access to ultra-rare coins like the $4 Stella. Our firm has built its reputation on helping clients acquire some of the most exclusive treasures in numismatics, guiding generations of collectors in building portfolios that combine history, artistry, and tangible wealth.

When you see a Stella in a Blanchard offering, you’re not just encountering a coin—you’re experiencing a legacy of trust, expertise, and access that few firms can match. Our long-standing relationships in the numismatic community ensure that clients can confidently pursue even the rarest opportunities.

The Enduring Allure of the Stella Gold Coin

The story of the $4 Stella reminds us that not all coins were created merely for everyday use. Some, like this extraordinary piece, were born from visionary ideas that sought to redefine America’s role in the world. Though the experiment never succeeded, its legacy lives on in the form of one of the most coveted rarities in U.S. coinage.

At Blanchard, we know that these coins aren’t just collectibles, they’re tangible links to history. The Stella captures the spirit of American ingenuity, and its rarity ensures that it will remain one of the most talked-about treasures in the world of numismatics.

Frequently Asked Questions About the $4 Stella Gold Coin

Why is the $4 Stella gold coin so rare?

The $4 Stella was struck only in 1879 and 1880 as an experimental international trade coin. With fewer than 500 examples surviving today, its rarity is built into its history, making it one of the most coveted U.S. coins.

How much is a $4 Stella gold coin worth today?

Values for the Stella vary depending on condition and design type, but they regularly achieve six-figure prices at auction. Exceptional examples, such as the Coiled Hair variety, can command even higher premiums due to their extreme scarcity.

Where can I buy a $4 Stella gold coin?

Because of its rarity, the Stella is rarely available on the open market. Blanchard has been proud to offer collectors access to ultra-high rarity coins like the $4 Stella for more than 50 years, making it one of the most trusted firms for acquiring this numismatic treasure.

Begin Your Rare Coin Journey Today

If you’re ready to add an extraordinary piece of history to your collection, the $4 Stella gold coin represents the pinnacle of rarity and prestige. For over 50 years, Blanchard has connected discerning collectors with treasures like the Stella, backed by unmatched expertise and trust. Contact us today to explore current opportunities and secure your place among the few who own this legendary coin.