The June 2012 Baltimore Auction

Pre-Bidding Ends: 6/29/2012 9:00:00 AM PST
Live Floor and Internet Bidding Begins: 6/29/2012 10:00:00 AM PST

Lot #3032. 1839 Gobrecht Silver Dollar. Name Removed. Judd-104 Restrike, Pollock-116. Rarity-3. Dannreuther Reverse Die State d. Silver. Reeded Edge. Die Alignment III. Proof-64 Cameo (PCGS).

Important Cameo Proof 1839 Gobrecht Dollar

 Die Alignment III, Restrike Finest Graded by PCGS
Description: Reverse eagle flies horizontally when the coin is turned on its horizontal axis. An especially lovely example of this popular restrike variety. The highly reflective fields and lightly frosted motifs enjoy fairly bold cameo contrast despite the wealth of deep gold, violet, and neon blue iridescence that engages both sides. Much mint bloom and brilliance can be seen in the central devices, adding to the cameo effect. The strike is as sharp as the proverbial tack, and the surfaces hold up admirably to magnified examination.

Some 300 examples -- give or take -- of the date were struck for intended circulation; the Red Book is adamant on that figure, but others in the hobby feel that 300 pieces is just a benchmark. Regarding the restrikes of the date, they were made sometime after the onslaught of Gobrecht's Liberty Seated design had become coin of the realm, probably in the 1850s and then continuing into the 1870s, and are somewhat scarcer overall than the Rarity-3 rating for Judd-104 suggests. The reverse of the present piece exhibits the faint die crack at the top of MERI, a tell-tale diagnostic of the restrikes of the date. Research by John Dannreuther and others has been going on for many years now, and it seems hardly a year goes by without some new tid-bit of information restoking the fires of scholarship within the Gobrecht dollar series.

Many are the collectors who envision a pleasing Gobrecht dollar in their collection. The present piece, far scarcer than the 1836 issues, is a pleasure to behold aesthetically as well as physically, and the appearance here of such a choice representative example of the date and variety will certainly beckon to those who are on the lookout for just such a piece.

PCGS Population: 1; none finer within any Proof designation.

PCGS# 811446.


- Indicates you are the winning bidder for a specific lot.
- Indicates you are the highest bidder for a specific lot.
- Indicates you have been outbid on a specific lot.
*Price includes BP if auction is closed
^Reserve not met