The $4 gold coin was produced as a potential international trade coin. Charles Barber created the Flowing Hair design, and around 425 coins were struck so that congressmen could review them.

The idea failed, and the Stella was never minted for circulation. Many examples were kept as pocket pieces, as there are numerous coins seen today with a great deal of wear or damage.

The exact mintage for the issue is unknown. It has been speculated that around 15 coins were struck in 1879, these being so-called originals. The surfaces of these examples are deeply mirrored, and lack die striations. A much larger number of coins were reportedly struck later, possibly in 1880.

These later coins are seen with lightly striated surfaces and with considerable mint frost for a Proof issue. The $4 gold Stella is one of the most desirable U.S. gold coins. Note: diis coin is included among the 100 Greatest U.S. Coins (Garrett and Guth 2005)