1839 Gobrecht Silver Dollar. Name Removed. Judd-104 Restrike, Pollock-116. Rarity-3. Silver. Reeded Edge. Die Alignment III. Proof-63 (PCGS).This is a beautiful Choice Proof Gobrecht dollar, a restrike from one of the rarest and most challenging series in all of U.S. numismatics. Universally brilliant in finish, both sides readily reveal mirrored reflectivity in the absence of central toning. The peripheries, however, are adorned with wisps of cobalt blue and pinkish-russet iridescence that further enhance already strong eye appeal. Fully struck with razor sharp detail throughout the design, this is a lovely specimen that would serve as a highlight in even the finest numismatic cabinet.pThe strong mirrors in the fields and fine granularity seen within the eagles beak mark this as a restrike. The original 1839 Gobrecht dollars, coined in the last week of that year, "are in Alignment IV, have weak mirrors, more [semi-prooflike] than fully [prooflike], and typically come with a weakly struck foot," according to emgobrechtdollars.com/em, a website built by John W. Dannreuther, Saul Teichman, and Craig Sholley. Restrikes, by contrast, show "a strong mirror from polishing" and are better struck, "generally with a fully struck foot." Restrikes are "also rather easily distinguished from Originals by the very granular (rusty) letters and eagle," according to their study of the issue. This particular specimen shows a slightly granular texture to the eagles head, as well as remnants of faint die rust on Libertys left forearm, which has been weakened by polishing. Also weakened are the rust lumps at the letters TA in STATES and at the border outside the letters [STATE]S and O[F]. The die line above the letter T in UNITED is faint, as are cracks through the letters ITE in UNITED, MERI in AMERICA, and LAR in DOLLAR. These diagnostics confirm that this coin is a Middle State Restrike, as defined by Dannreuther, Teichman and Sholley. The authors state that these pieces were struck ca. 1863 to 1864 at the request of Mint Director Henry R. Linderman. Most examples known to Dannreuther et. al. are in Die Alignment IV, but "one unconfirmed coin which may be an alignment III" is reported on emgobrechtdollars.com/em, possibly the coin offered here.pTwo major varieties of silver 1839 Gobrecht dollars with the starless reverse were produced: reeded edge Judd-104 and plain edge Judd-105. Judd-107 was struck from the same dies in copper, while Judd-108 (silver) and Judd-109 (copper) were struck during the Linderman era from the 26-star reverse like the one used in 1836. Judd-107 and Judd-109 are both unique, and Judd-108 is extremely rare, with just three specimens known. Though specimens of Judd-104 are somewhat more numerous, they are still rare when viewed in the wider context of U.S. numismatics.From the Greenway Collection. Stacks paper envelope included.
