1878 Half Eagle Patterns

About This Coin

The 1878 Half Eagle Patterns is a United States Gold Half Eagle from the Metric & Stella Patterns (1874-1879) series — a late issue, 5th of 6 years in the series. In 1878, coins were struck at the Philadelphia Mint. The obverse features experimental designs including the famous Stella ($4 gold piece) featuring Liberty with flowing hair or coiled hair and the reverse displays a five-pointed star containing the denomination FOUR DOL.. Struck during the Gilded Age of rapid industrialization and the great silver debates, when monetary policy shaped elections and economic destiny. A notable auction result reached $576K in PR65+CA grade at Stack's Bowers. Designed by Charles E. Barber (Flowing Hair) / George T. Morgan (Coiled Hair).