 1879 Flowing Hair. Judd 1635. Gold. Choice Brilliant Proof. This obverse by Charles E. Barber shows an elegant Liberty head facing left with long flowing locks, a star straddling the jewel on the tip of her diadem. This specimen's strike is more full than generally encountered on these rare $4 coins, with the characteristic planchet striae less visible than usually seen. This reverse is exceptionally sharp and boldly reflective, completing this pleasing Gold coin's roster of attractions. Struck only as Patterns in 1879 and 1880, the Stella has long been one of the most eagerly sought-after U.S. Gold pieces. NGC PF63.
The third quarter of the 19th century saw experiments for an international Gold coinage that would be freely interchangeable among the major nations. The existing 20-Franc coins of the Latin Monetary Union countries and the Austrian gold 8 Florins offered a model for U.S. Minister to Austria John A. Kasson. A former member of the House Committee on Coinage and Weights & Measures, Kasson believed a U.S. coin of $4 would approximate the LMU 20 Francs then widely circulated among five member countries. Barber's Flowing Hair and George T. Morgan's Coiled Hair designs were prepared, joining a reverse featuring a huge star inscribed ONE STELLA, 400 CENTS. Although fascinating to contemporary collectors, the Stella was not adopted for circulation.
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