Gobrecht Dollar
Gobrecht Dollar
Gobrecht Dollar was named after Christian Gobrecht, the artist who designed them. A Gobrecht Dollar has a Seated Liberty design on its obverse side. The female personification of freedom sits down on a rock. She looks over her right shoulder, to the left side of the Gobrecht Dollar. She holds a shield in her right hand, while her left hand holds a pole or staff with a liberty cap on the tip. As you might expect, she is classically draped. The reverse side of the Gobrecht Dollar shows the profile of a large eagle flying upwards, surrounded by stars. Such was the popularity of Gobrecht’s design that the Seated Liberty soon became the design for other coins. However, the ascending eagle did not spread to other denominations. The heraldic eagle continued to be used on those other coins. Gobrecht Dollars were made of copper and silver, like other early coins.
Given the very short run of Gobrecht Dollar Coin, one might expect there to be only a few variations on its design. However, if we are to take small details into account, we will notice that there are actually many versions of the Gobrecht Dollar, differing according to things like the number of stars, and the stamping of Gobrecht’s signature. Originally, Gobrecht was told to place his own signature prominently on the coin. Public criticism, fueled by at least one newspaper, convinced minting authorities to have Gobrecht relocate and shrink his signature, which is why it appears differently on later Gobrecht Dollar Coins.
Gobrecht Dollar Coins are among the rarest of American coins, to the point that most typical coin collectors despair of actually having one of their own. It is no shame at all not to have one in your collection. However, if you would really like to collect some, your best bet is the 1836 Gobrecht Dollar. It is relatively affordable, and is easier to come by.
Gobrecht Dollar Fair Market Values in U.S. Dollars (1836-1839)
| Date/Type | G4 | VG8 | F12 | VF20 | XF40 | AU50 | AU53 | AU55 | AU58 | MS60 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1836 | $3,720 | $4,200 | $4,620 | $8,100 | $11,940 | $14,700 | $15,420 | $17,940 | $20,630 | $26,880 |
| 1838 | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- |
| 1839 | -- | -- | $4,980 | $9,000 | $12,300 | $15,300 | $16,380 | $19,060 | $24,060 | $28,130 |
| Proof | $3,720 | $4,200 | $4,620 | $8,100 | $11,940 | $14,700 | $15,420 | $17,940 | $20,630 | $26,880 |
Gobrecht Dollar Coins on eBay
1854 / 2012 Flying Eagle Proof Commemorative Cent - ICG PR69 DCAM
0 Bid
US $100.00
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