Diagnostic Controls & Presets Metric Gold Pattern
Diagnostic Forensic Readings
Forensic Attribution Diagnostic
Real-time metallurgical and die variety cross-examination verified against certified populations.
Technical Breakdown: Physics, Metallurgy & Die Diagnostics
Struck from an innovative 'goloid metric' alloy (85.7% pure gold) designed to match the 20 French Francs, 20 Italian Lire, and 20 Spanish Pesetas.
Struck in gold with a 34mm diameter. The finest known specimen sold for $2,562,000 at the Heritage ANA Signature Sale.
Documented Benchmark Auction Records
From the Bob R. Simpson Collection, one of only five specimens known, breaking its prior world record.
Breathtaking George T. Morgan engraving with pristine deep cameo contrast and razor-sharp braided chignon.
Weighs only 5.2 grams (genuine is 7.00g); features cast air holes in fields and soft letter edges.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the $4 Stella gold coin?
The $4 Stella is an experimental pattern gold coin struck by the United States Mint in 1879 and 1880. Proposed by John A. Kasson (U.S. Minister to Austria-Hungary) and Dr. William Wheeler Hubbell, it was intended as an international trade coin to compete directly with the European Latin Monetary Union's 20-franc gold pieces.
Why is the coin called a 'Stella'?
The coin takes its name from the Latin word for 'star' ('Stella'), referring to the prominent five-pointed star displayed on the reverse containing the denomination 'ONE STELLA / 400 CENTS'.
What is the difference between Flowing Hair and Coiled Hair Stellas?
The Mint tested two distinct obverse designs: 1. Flowing Hair (designed by Charles E. Barber), depicting Miss Liberty with flowing curls down her neck (approx. 425 struck in 1879). 2. Coiled Hair (designed by George T. Morgan), showing Liberty with hair plaited in a tight coiled braid. Coiled Hair Stellas are extraordinarily rare, with only about 15 known!
What is the 1879 $20 Quintuple Stella?
The Quintuple Stella (Judd-1643) was an experimental metric double eagle equivalent to five $4 Stellas (100 French Francs). Weighing exactly 30 grams of metric gold alloy, only five original specimens were struck in gold. In 2026, a PCGS PR-64 specimen from the Bob R. Simpson collection sold for $2,562,000.
Why were Stellas distributed to Congressmen, and what was the scandal?
In 1879, the Mint struck Stellas to demonstrate the concept to Congress. Congressmen were allowed to purchase them for their face value of $4.00. However, instead of passing legislation, many congressmen gave them to mistresses or turned them into necklace pendants for Washington socialites, causing a major public scandal!
How can you detect a counterfeit Stella?
Genuine Stellas weigh exactly 7.00 grams (for the $4) or 30.00 grams (for the Quintuple) and have a specific gravity of ~16.8 (85.7% gold). Most counterfeits are cast in brass or copper and plated with gold wash, weighing less than 5.5 grams with mushy details around the five-pointed star.
How much is a genuine 1879 $4 Stella worth?
In low proof grades (Proof-50 to PR-60), an 1879 Flowing Hair Stella sells for $90,000 to $140,000. In Gem Proof-65 Cameo, it commands $200,000 to $300,000. An ultra-rare Coiled Hair Stella starts at $450,000 and exceeds $1,000,000 for top-condition specimens.