1839 Gobrecht Silver Dollar. Name Removed. Judd-104 Original, Pollock-116. Rarity-3. Silver. Reeded Edge. Die Alignment IV. Proof. EF Details--Repaired (PCGS). Offered is an overall boldly defined Gobrecht dollar, one of the scarcest and most challenging design types to collect in the United States silver dollar series. A somewhat glossy texture and wispy hairlines explain the PCGS qualifier; both sides have been retoned with glints of steel-olive on golden-pewter. This example is free of individually mentionable marks, and has considerable sharpness of detail remaining in the more protected areas of the design.<p>With all the variations of Gobrecht dollars struck in the 1860s and 1870s, it is easy to lose sight of the fact that many Gobrechts were actually coined for circulation. This piece, despite its description as a Proof, is likely one of them, even though its level of preservation precludes positive attribution of die state. PCGS has certified it as an original, it has wear commensurate with such a piece, and with no die clashing discernible at Libertys elbow, it appears to be a Die State B original as defined by John Dannreuther, Saul Teichman, and Craig Sholley, authors of the website <em>gobrechtdollars.com</em>. They further state that original 1839 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," the final-listed feature also evident on the present example.<p>Regardless of date, variety or striking period, all Gobrecht dollars are scarce (if not rare) and enjoy strong demand from advanced collectors. This more affordable 1839 would make an impressive addition to many cabinets. From the Lincoln Square Collection.
