Designed by: Christian Gobrecht
Issue Dates: 1838-1839
Composition: 90% silver, 10% copper
Diameter: 39 mm
Weight: 26.73 grams (412.50 grains)
Edge: Reeded
Mintage: est. 300 + later restrikes

Following the “no stars” obverse seen in 1836, additional dollar coins were struck in 1838 and 1839. These differed from the earlier issues in that stars were added to the obverse around the seated figure of Liberty, Gobrecht’s name was omitted and the edges were reeded. (Some pattern restrikes are known with plain edges however.)

Again varieties are known both with, and without stars on the reverse although the 300 originals show no stars. Like the 1836 issue, various alignments of the obverse and reverse die are seen with some showing the eagle flying horizontally and other showing the eagle flying upward.

Like the 1836, few collectors will be able to amass a holding of all varieties of this type – including restrikes, patterns and originals, but acquiring one “with stars” obverse of this type is a rewarding acquisition.