1839 Proof Dollar Pattern - J-108, Restrike Starry Reverse, Plain Edge

Coin Details

Auction Record

$184,000 PR64 01-05-2004 American Numismatic Rarities

Description

Judd-108, Pollock-121. Among the most visually distinctive of the 1839 Gobrecht dollar restrikes, this pattern features the celebrated starry reverse -- a field of stars surrounding the soaring eagle -- combined with a plain edge. The obverse carries Christian Gobrecht's seated Liberty design, while the reverse displays the flying eagle motif that would later influence the design of the small cent series. The parent issue in silver (Judd-104) was struck in sufficient quantity to suggest planned circulation, rated R.3 with an estimated 201 to 500 survivors. However, the off-metal composition of this particular variety confirms it as a later restrike produced for collectors. Original strikes used medal rotation with the eagle flying level (Alignment IV), while restrikes appear in both that orientation and in coin rotation (Alignment III). The combination of the starry reverse field with a plain edge makes this among the scarcer die and edge combinations in the 1839 Gobrecht dollar restrike series.