The 1880 Stella Gold $4 Coiled Hair coin is one of the most intriguing and rare coins in U.S. history. It was created as an experimental piece, with the goal of making an international coin that could be easily used in trade with other countries. The coin features a unique Coiled Hair design of Lady Liberty, which makes it a standout in the world of numismatics. Though it never entered mass production, the 1880 Stella is highly sought after by collectors due to its rarity and historical significance.
In this article, we will dive into the history, design, and value of the 1880 Stella Gold $4 Coiled Hair coin. We will also answer some frequently asked questions.
The History of the 1880 Stella Gold $4 Coin
The Stella was originally created in 1879 as a proposal for a U.S. coin that would be accepted internationally. The coin was meant to compete with the European gold coins in trade, but the idea never really caught on. Two designs were created for this coin: Flowing Hair and Coiled Hair, with the latter being much rarer.
By 1880, the U.S. Mint struck only a small number of Stella Gold $4 coins with the Coiled Hair design, making it a true collector’s item. Only about 20 examples of this coin are known to exist today, making it one of the most valuable and rarest coins in U.S. history.
Design of the 1880 Stella Gold $4: Coiled Hair
Obverse (Front)
- Lady Liberty: The front side of the coin features a detailed portrait of Lady Liberty with her hair styled in tight coils, hence the name “Coiled Hair.” This design was created by George T. Morgan, the same designer of the famous Morgan Silver Dollar.
- Inscriptions: Around Lady Liberty are the words “E PLURIBUS UNUM” and “6G .3S .7C 7 GRAMS,” which refer to the composition and weight of the coin.
Reverse (Back)
- Star Design: The reverse features a large five-pointed star, which is why the coin is called “Stella” (Latin for star). Inside the star is the denomination “$4” and the words “ONE STELLA.”
- Inscriptions: Around the star are the words “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and “FOUR DOL.”
Table: Key Details of the 1880 Stella Gold $4: Coiled Hair
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Mint Year | 1880 |
| Designer | George T. Morgan |
| Composition | 85.71% gold, 4.29% silver, 10% copper |
| Diameter | 22 mm |
| Weight | 7 grams |
| Obverse Design | Lady Liberty with Coiled Hair |
| Reverse Design | Star with denomination “$4” |
| Rarity | Extremely rare, only around 20 known to exist |
Why the 1880 Stella Gold $4 Coiled Hair is So Valuable
- Limited Supply: Only around 20 of these coins were ever made, making it one of the rarest U.S. coins.
- Historical Significance: As a coin meant for international trade, the Stella represents a unique experiment in U.S. currency history.
- Coiled Hair Design: The Coiled Hair version is much rarer than the Flowing Hair design, making it highly desirable for collectors.
- High Demand: Because of its rarity and history, collectors are willing to pay very high prices for this coin. In fact, some have sold for over $1 million at auctions.
- Unique Composition: The Stella’s specific gold, silver, and copper composition was designed to match international standards, making it stand out from other U.S. coins of the era.
Current Market Value
Given its rarity, the 1880 Stella Gold $4 Coiled Hair coin can fetch extremely high prices. Recent auctions have seen these coins sell for anywhere between $1 million and $2.5 million, depending on the coin’s condition. Coins that are in perfect or near-perfect condition, as graded by professional services, will always attract the highest bids.
Conclusion
The 1880 Stella Gold $4 Coiled Hair coin is not just a rare piece of American history but also a work of art. Its beautiful design, fascinating history, and extreme rarity make it one of the most prized coins among collectors. Though it was never intended for circulation, the Stella remains a symbol of U.S. experimentation with international currency, and its value will only continue to rise as more collectors seek out this unique coin.
FAQ’s
Why is the 1880 Stella Gold $4 coin so rare?
Only about 20 coins with the Coiled Hair design were ever made, making it extremely rare.
Who designed the Coiled Hair version of the Stella?
Who designed the Coiled Hair version of the Stella?
How much is an 1880 Stella Gold $4 Coiled Hair coin worth?
These coins can sell for $1 million to $2.5 million at auctions, depending on their condition.
Why was the Stella coin created?
The Stella was created as an experimental coin for international trade, but the project was ultimately abandoned.
How can I tell if my Stella Gold $4 coin is authentic?
You can have your coin authenticated and graded by professional coin grading services like PCGS or NGC to ensure its authenticity.