Gobrecht Dollars (1836-1839)

About This Series

Bridging the gap between Draped Bust and Seated Liberty dollar series, Christian Gobrecht's transitional silver dollars rank among the most artistically accomplished American coins. The obverse introduced the Seated Liberty that would define American silver design for over half a century, while the soaring eagle reverse later inspired the Flying Eagle cent. Struck in .900 fine silver at 26.73 grams and 38.1 mm, Gobrecht dollars exist in bewildering combinations of die alignments, striking orientations, and restrike configurations. Original 1836 issues used coin alignment with plain edge, while 1839 strikings employed medal alignment. Restrikes in the 1850s-1860s by Mint officials further complicated classification using various die pairings. The standard system organizes pieces by die alignment (coin vs. medal turn), edge treatment, and eagle orientation relative to stars. Approximately 1,600 originals were produced for circulation, with restrike populations estimated at several hundred. Original strikings command significant premiums over restrikes.