1836 Gobrecht Silver Dollar. Name on Base. Judd-60 Original, Pollock-65. Rarity-1. Silver. Plain Edge. Die Alignment I. Proof. AU Details--Graffiti (PCGS).Offered here is a desirable example of this classic silver dollar design type. Minimally circulated with intricate detail to virtually all features, in a straight-graded holder we would expect to see a Proof-58 designation for this coin. There are no sizable marks, the PCGS qualifier notwithstanding; just faint pin scratches in the left and right obverse field, those in the former area taking the form of initials with some imagination. Light hairlining is also noted for accuracy. The otherwise silver-gray surfaces have warm olive-russet retoning in the protected areas around many of the design elements. Much of the satin to semi-reflective finish remains to enhance the eye appeal.<p>The historic 1836 Name on Base Gobrecht dollar is the first issue of this denomination produced for circulation since those struck in 1804 from 1803-dated dies. Silver dollar production was suspended in the early 19th century after the value of the silver exceeded the coins face value. While proposals to resurrect this denomination started as early as 1831, it was not until 1835 that any serious attempt was made. Christian Gobrecht was directed to prepare a set of pattern dies based on designs by Titian Peale and Thomas Sully. The result is a coin widely considered one of the classics of American numismatics with its beautiful representation of Liberty seated on the obverse and majestic soaring eagle on the reverse.<p>The Mint used only a single pair of dies to strike 1,000 examples of the new dollar in December 1836, the coins delivered in two batches: 400 pieces for distribution to the public and 600 for distribution into commerce through local Philadelphia banks. Mint personnel experienced considerable difficulty in production of this issue. Either the feed fingers for the planchets were improperly designed, or the coiners used feed fingers intended for half dollars. In either case, the feed fingers kept slamming into the reverse die during coinage, forcing Mint personnel to deliberately rotate the dies and adjust the feed mechanism in an effort to solve the problem. This tinkering explains the three different die alignments for originals of this variety (I, II and IV), as well as the tiny nicks seen around the reverse rim through the various die states.<p>For generations, the precise timeline of production based on die alignment has been in dispute, but recent scholarship by John Dannreuther, Craig Sholley, and Saul Teichman has indicated that the correct sequence of all the Judd-60 dollars is I-IV-II-IV-I-IV, with all of the Die Alignment III pieces being later restrikes. Die State A, represented here, is the earliest known states for the issue.<p>As the most frequently encountered Gobrecht dollar, the 1836 Name on Base is very popular for type purposes. Examples are certified as Proofs, but most show (considerable) wear and marks from time in commerce. Additionally, the finish is insufficient to support Proof status, even despite the semi-reflectivity that is sometimes noted, as here. A perennial favorite for generations, Gobrecht silver dollars remain as popular as ever and are in constant demand. This attractive specimen presents exceptionally well for the grade and is a noteworthy find for advanced type collectors, silver dollar enthusiasts, or those with an interest in this challenging series.PCGS# 11225.From the Collection of James Allaire Millholland, 1842-1911.
