The 1879 Four Dollar Gold Piece, known as the “Stella,” is one of the most fascinating and rare coins in American numismatics. Designed by Charles E. Barber, the obverse features Liberty with flowing hair, while the reverse displays a large star with the inscriptions “FOUR DOL.” and “ONE STELLA.” Minted in limited quantities, the Stella was intended for international trade but never saw widespread circulation. Its unique denomination and intricate design make it a highly coveted piece among collectors.
Why it Started
The 1879 Four Dollar Gold Piece, or Stella, was initiated as part of an effort to create an international trade coin. Proposed by John A. Kasson, a former U.S. Minister to Austria, the Stella was intended to align with the Latin Monetary Union’s standards, making it easily accepted in European markets. The goal was to facilitate international commerce by providing a U.S. coin comparable in value to widely used foreign gold coins.
Why it Ended
The production of the Stella was short-lived, ending after just two years (1879-1880), primarily because it failed to gain support from Congress and the public. The coin’s unusual denomination and limited practicality led to its discontinuation. Additionally, only a few hundred pieces were minted as patterns, and the idea of a four-dollar coin did not resonate with the needs of domestic or international trade, leading to the abandonment of the initiative.
| Years | Species | Front | Back | Evolve |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1879–1880 | Flowing Hair |  |
 |
|
| 1879–1880 | Coiled Hair |  |
 |