$4 Stella (1879-1880)

The $4 Stella was the United States attempt to develop a coin for International trade. The British soverign, Italy's 20 lire, and the 20 pesetas of Spain were coins that were smaller than the $5 American coin and widely used in international trade.

The Stella was made as apattern coin and never made it to full scale production. Two design types were presented to congress. Charles E. Barber designed the flowing hair Stella, while George T. Morgan designed the coilied hair type.

Only 472 coins were struck in Proof Condition for both varities making the $4 Stella extremely Rare in any condition.

Some recent auction prices realized for the Stella are

1879 Flowing Hair $333,500 Certified Proof - 67

1879 Coilied Hair $655,500 Certified Proof - 67

1880 Flowing Hair $264,500 Certified Proof - 65

1880 Coilied Hair $977,500 Certified Proof - 66

Historical events of the time.

1879

At New York City's Madison Square Garden the first artificial ice rink in North America opens.

Women's rights: American President Rutherford B. Hayes signs a bill allowing female attorneys to argue cases before the Supreme Court of the United States.

Doc Holliday kills for the first time after a man shoots up Holliday's New Mexico saloon.

Thomas Edison demonstrates incandescent lighting to the public for the first time (Menlo Park, New Jersey).

1880

In Menlo Park, New Jersey, Thomas Edison performs the first test of his electric railway.

First electric lamp factory opened by Thomas Edison.

Isle of Man becomes first political entity that allows women to vote.