1839 Gobrecht Dollar

About This Coin

The 1839 Gobrecht Dollar is a United States dollar from the Gobrecht Dollars (1836-1839) series. The obverse features Liberty seated on a rock, holding a pole surmounted by a Phrygian liberty cap in her left hand and a shield inscribed LIBERTY in her right without stars, while the reverse displays an eagle in flight amid a field of stars. Designed by Christian Gobrecht. Struck in 90% silver, 10% copper, weighing 26.73 grams, 39 mm in diameter, with a reeded edge. Produced at the Philadelphia Mint. The Gobrecht Dollar (1836-1839) was a transitional design that introduced the Seated Liberty motif to U.S. coinage. Christian Gobrecht's elegant flying eagle reverse was later adapted for the Flying Eagle Cent. Original strikings are highly prized; restrikes from the 1850s-1860s are more common but still valuable. Gobrecht Dollars are among the most artistically acclaimed U.S. coins. The distinction between original strikings and restrikes is crucial to value.