1839 Proof Dollar Pattern - J-105, Restrike

Coin Details

Auction Record

$230,000 PR65 11-03-2005 Heritage Auctions

Description

Cataloged as Judd-105, this restrike of the 1839 Gobrecht dollar pattern continues the celebrated Seated Liberty obverse and Flying Eagle reverse designs by Christian Gobrecht that first appeared on the 1836 dollar. The original strikings of the closely related Judd-104 were produced in silver with a reeded edge in sufficient quantity to suggest they were seriously considered for circulation, with an R.3 rarity rating indicating 201 to 500 survivors. The original 1839 dollar patterns were struck in medal rotation (die alignment IV) with the eagle flying level, an orientation inconsistent with standard United States coinage practice. Restrike specimens from these same dies are found in two configurations: the original medal rotation with the eagle flying level (Alignment IV), and in coin rotation with the eagle flying level (Alignment III). This variety of die orientations across the restrike production helps distinguish later specimens from originals, though the restrikes themselves are considerably scarcer than the relatively available original strikings. The 1839 represents the final year of Gobrecht dollar pattern production before the resumption of regular silver dollar coinage in 1840 with the adoption of the Seated Liberty design for circulation strikes.