1879 Stella - Coiled Hair
Strike Type
Coin Details
Value Estimates
Values as of May 2026 — estimates reflect typical grades (G-4 through MS-67). Coins in lower or exceptional grades may fall outside this range.
Auction Record
2.1 million PR67 Cameo NGC - Presidio Collection, Part II Heritage Auctions
Description
The 1879 Stella - Coiled Hair is a proof dollar from the Stella Four Dollars 1879-1880 series. With a mintage of only 20, this is an extremely rare issue. The obverse features Liberty with flowing hair or coiled hair, designed as a proposal for metric-compatible gold coinage, while the reverse displays a five-pointed star containing the denomination FOUR DOL.. Designed by George T. Morgan/Charles E. Barber. Weighing 7 grams, 22 mm in diameter, with a reeded edge. Cataloged as PCGS #88058. The Stella ($4 gold piece) was proposed in 1879-1880 as a coin compatible with the international metric gold standard, worth exactly 10 French francs. Among the most famous and valuable U.S. pattern coins. The 1879 Flowing Hair had about 425 struck, the 1879 Coiled Hair only about 10. The 1880 versions are even rarer. Individual coins have sold for over $2 million.
Rarity Notes
Extremely Rare with only 12-15 known examples. Judd-1638, Pollock-1838
External References
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