1879 Stella
Base
About This Coin
The 1879 Stella is a United States coin from the Stella Four Dollars 1879-1880 series — the first year of the series. The obverse features Liberty with flowing hair or coiled hair, designed as a proposal for metric-compatible gold coinage and the reverse displays a five-pointed star inscribed ONE STELLA and 400 CENTS, with FOUR DOL. in the legend below. Struck during the Gilded Age of rapid industrialization and the great silver debates, when monetary policy shaped elections and economic destiny. Weighing 7 grams, 22 mm in diameter, with a reeded edge. Designed by Charles E. Barber (Flowing Hair) / George T. Morgan (Coiled Hair).
Value Estimates
Values as of May 2026 across all of this coin's strike types, from published price guides and, in some cases, recorded auction sales. For most coins the range runs from a well-worn example (around G-4) to an uncirculated one, but individual coins can sell for more or less depending on grade, eye appeal and demand. Compare recent sales of similar coins for a closer estimate.
Specifications
Strike Types & Varieties(2)
Other Base Coins in This Series
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