The 1880 Stella Gold $4 coin is a fascinating piece of numismatic history. The Stella was a pattern coin that was proposed as a potential international coinage for use in trade with countries using the metric system.
Denomination: The Stella has a denomination of $4, making it one of the most unusual denominations ever struck by the United States Mint.
Composition: The coin is composed of 85.71% gold (0.8544 troy ounces) and 14.29% copper, with a weight of 7 grams and a diameter of 22 millimeters.
Design: The obverse (front) of the coin features a left-facing bust of Liberty with flowing hair, surrounded by thirteen stars representing the original thirteen colonies. The reverse (back) of the coin features a large five-pointed star encircled by the inscription "ONE STELLA 400 CENTS" and surrounded by the words "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" and "FOUR DOL."
Designer: The design of the Stella was created by Charles E. Barber, the Chief Engraver of the United States Mint at the time.
Limited Mintage: The Stella was produced in limited quantities as pattern coins for potential use in international trade. However, it was never adopted for circulation, and only a small number of specimens were struck.
Varieties: There are two major varieties of the 1880 Stella Gold $4 coin based on the arrangement of the stars on the reverse. One variety features the stars arranged in a circular pattern, while the other variety features the stars arranged in a more linear pattern.
The Rare Bicentennial Quarter: Valued at nearly $49 million USD, this exceptional coin represents the pinnacle of numismatic rarity. Its journey from the mint to its current status as a coveted treasure is shrouded in mystery and intrigue.