Designed by: Christian Gobrecht
Issue Dates: 1836
Composition: 89.24% silver, 10.76% copper
Diameter: 39 mm
Weight: 26.96 grams (416.05 grains)
Edge: Plain
Mintage: est. 1,600 + later restrikes

The first of the “Gobrecht Dollars” were struck in very limited quantity in 1836. Like the 1856 Flying Eagle cent, they straddle the line between a regular issue and a pattern. Some were released into circulation though the Bank of the United States, but their low mintage precluded them having much, if any impact on public transactions.

While all 1836 Gobrecht dollars show no stars on the obverse, varieties exist with stars (the 1,600 “originals”) and without stars (the rare “restrikes”) around the flying eagle on the reverse, and with Gobrecht’s name (C. COBRECHT F.) appearing either on, or below the base. Additional variations are seen on the alignment of the dies. Nearly all have plain edges, though two restrikes with a reeded edge are known.

Few can hope to acquire all the known varieties of these early Gobrecht dollars, but owning one example certainly provides ample pride of ownership of these rare issues.