The 1879 Stella Gold Coin: Why It’s Worth Over $1.5 Million

One of the most valuable and sought-after coins in numismatics today is the 1879 Stella gold coin. It recently made news when a Coiled Hair version from 1879 brought an incredible $1.6 million at auction.

This incident brought to light the coin’s extraordinary worth and historical significance, as it was created at a period when the US was attempting to establish itself in global trade. Continue reading to learn more about the history, design, rarity, and other factors that make the 1879 Stella so valuable and unique.

Historical Context of the 1879 Stella Gold Coin

The United States sought to design a coin that could be used for international trade, particularly with Europe, in the late nineteenth century. The $4 Stella coin was the outcome. A five-pointed star on the coin’s reverse side inspired the name Stella, which translates to “star” in Latin.

Although it was never formally released for widespread use, its purpose was to facilitate international trade. Since so few coins were produced, they are now incredibly rare and precious.

Design and Specifications of the 1879 Stella Gold Coin

The design of the 1879 Stella coin is unique and exquisite. These are its salient characteristics:

Feature	Details
Obverse Design	Lady Liberty with flowing hair, surrounded by E PLURIBUS UNUM and the year 1879
Reverse Design	A five-pointed star (Stella) with inscriptions saying UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
Composition	85.71% gold, 4.29% silver, 10% copper
Weight	7 grams
Diameter	22 millimeters
Edge	Reeded
Designer	Charles E. Barber

Charles E. Barber, a well-known American coin designer, made the design. The coin is a favorite among collectors because of its elaborate decorations and star emblem.

Rarity and Variants

Very few of the 1879 Stella gold coins were struck, mostly as pattern coins (test coins issued before to a complete issue). The 1879 Stella has several variations, each with varying degrees of rarity:

• 1879 Flowing Hair: About 425 minted.
• 1879 Coiled Hair: Less than 20 known specimens.
• 1880 Flowing Hair: Around 15 known.
• 1880 Coiled Hair: Only about 10 known.

Because it is the rarest, collectors value the 1879 Coiled Hair variant the most.

Recent Auction Highlights

The 1879 Coiled Hair Stella, one of the rarest models, just brought an astounding $1.6 million at auction. The coin’s historical significance, rarity, and high demand from collectors who appreciate its special place in American numismatic history are all reflected in this transaction.

Factors Influencing the Stella s Value

The 1879 Stella gold coin’s high value is a result of several important factors:

• Rarity: The extremely limited number of coins that were minted makes them highly desirable and hard to find.
• Historical Significance: The Stella was part of an effort by the U.S. to create a coin for international trade, making it a fascinating piece of history.
• Condition: Coins that are in excellent condition, especially those that have been professionally graded, are worth much more.
• Provenance: The coin s ownership history can affect its value. A coin with a well-documented past may be more expensive.

Collecting and Investing in Stella Coins

There are certain considerations to make if you want to purchase a Stella gold coin:

• Authentication: Because of their high value, it is essential to have the coin authenticated by professional grading services like PCGS or NGC.
• Condition: The higher the quality of the coin, the more it s worth. Make sure to understand coin grading before purchasing.
• Provenance: A coin with a rich history of ownership can increase its value.
• Consult Experts: When buying rare coins, it s always a good idea to consult with numismatic experts or reputable dealers to ensure you re making a sound investment.

The 1879 Stella gold coin is more than simply a coin; it is a unique piece of history and a representation of America’s efforts to engage in foreign trade. It is extremely valuable to collectors due to its historical significance, restricted manufacturing, and elaborate design.

Knowing the rarity and worth of these coins can help you make well-informed judgments if you’re interested in collecting or investing in them, regardless of your level of experience.

1. Why is the 1879 Stella gold coin so valuable?

The rarity, historical relevance, and limited mintage of the 1879 Stella make it valuable. It is a rare aspect of American currency history, and only a few number were produced.

2. What does the design of the 1879 Stella coin represent?

The U.S. endeavor to develop an international trade coin is symbolized by the coin’s five-pointed star on the reverse and Lady Liberty on the front.

3. How many versions of the 1879 Stella coin are there?

The 1879 Coiled Hair is the rarest and most valuable of the numerous varieties, which also include the 1879 Flowing Hair.

4. How can I authenticate a Stella gold coin?

Professional grading services such as the Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC) or the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) can authenticate the coin for you.

5. Where can I buy an 1879 Stella coin?

Stella coins are available for purchase via reliable coin shops, auction houses, and numismatic dealers. Before making any purchases, be sure to speak with specialists.

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