Owner Comments:
1836 1$
Judd-60, Pollock-55.
Rarity: R.1 Restrike issue.
Struck In Silver with Plain Edge
Obverse: Depicts Liberty seated on a rock holding a pole in her left hand with a cap of freedom perched on top, her right hand supports a shield draped with a ribbon inscribed LIBERTY. The entire obverse is free of legends otherwise, and the only device aside from Lady Liberty is the date below of 1836.
Reverse: There is an eagle in full flight, flying level in a starry field, with small and large stars. Surrounding the stars and eagle is UNITED STATES OF AMERICA / ONE DOLLAR with stops in between the denomination.
Comment: These were the first silver dollars struck for circulation since 1803, and although they were issued in tiny numbers the die was cast and in 1840 this series of silver dollars began production in earnest and these circulated more widely, although the designs were modified.
Christian Gobrecht was the third person to occupy the post of chief engraver at the Philadelphia Mint. His popularity is reflected in such terms used as “Gobrecht dollar” and “The Gobrecht Journal”. Among pattern coins his contributions are at once vital, beautiful, and far-reaching. Most known are his Liberty Seated coins, first made in Pattern form in this 1836 silver dollar, and continued across the denominations of half dime, dime, quarter dollar, half dollar, and silver dollar for years thereafter. Separately, Gobrecht's elegant flying eagle is an American numismatic icon. First used on the 1836 pattern dollar, it later appears on many other Patterns as well as regular issue 1857-1858 cents
This particular coin is quite impressive and desirable An lightly toned example with flashy surfaces and lovely antique silver-gray toning with deeper blue and russet accents surrounding the devices. The surfaces are sweet and smooth, with no detracting marks and the eagle's breast feathers are bold.
Provenance/ Appearance:
From Ira & Lee Goldberg June 2020 Pre-Long Beach Auction /Lot 654