Stella Coiled Hair – 1/2 Troy Ounce – 30mm
A star from an unrealized chapter of American coinage.
The Stella Coiled Hair tribute brings a distinctive Liberty portrait and a bold star reverse to a half troy ounce of .999 fine silver. On this 30mm round, the carefully arranged hair and open field around the profile give the obverse a restrained elegance, balanced by the geometry of the five-pointed star.
The Four-Dollar Experiment
The original gold Stella was an experimental four-dollar pattern, produced in 1879 and 1880 rather than issued for regular circulation. John A. Kasson, the American minister to Austria, supported the idea of a denomination that travelers could exchange for European gold coins of roughly similar value. Metric inscriptions expressed its international ambitions.
Morgan’s Coiled Hair Design
George T. Morgan created the Coiled Hair portrait; Charles E. Barber designed the separate Flowing Hair version. The star on the reverse gave the Stella its name. This silver tribute recalls Morgan’s design while adapting the inscriptions to its own metal and weight.
The 1879 date belongs to the design being commemorated. “AG,” “.999 FINE,” and “HALF OUNCE” on the reverse identify the modern silver interpretation. These details are part of its appeal: the familiar composition remains, with lettering that describes the round in your hand.
Design Details
- Obverse: Liberty faces left with her hair coiled at the back of her head. Stars separate the weight and purity lettering around the portrait, with “1879” below.
- Reverse: A beaded five-pointed star contains “AG STELLA .999 FINE.” Surrounding inscriptions include “E PLURIBUS UNUM,” “DEO EST GLORIA,” “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” and “HALF OUNCE.”
Specifications
- Weight: 1/2 troy ounce
- Metal: .999 fine silver
- Diameter: 30mm
- Thickness: 2.56mm
- Edge: Reeded
- Finish: Brilliant Uncirculated
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