While technically a pattern, the 1879 Flowing Hair gold $4 Stella is often included in type sets and is a part of the PCGS Registry Type Set. Heritage noted, “Pattern specialists, type collectors, and trophy coin hunters all enthusiastically pursue examples of this issue,” and problem-free survivors with light circulation are coveted.

The Duffy Family Collection's representative in Heritage’s Sept. 12 Premier Session auction, graded PCGS Proof 50, sold for $120,000. It carries some hairlines in the fields as expected in this grade but also “a sharp strike in most areas and just a touch of light wear on the high points of the devices.”

The unadopted denomination, ONE STELLA engraved on the reverse and reflected in the surrounding 5-pointed star, was an attempt at a global trade coin to compete with the French gold 20-franc coin and equivalent issues. “Stella” became a nickname as well for the representation of liberty on the obverse. A reported 425 1879 Flowing Hair Stellas were distributed.

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