Gobrecht Dollars Starred Reverse (1836)
Gobrecht Silver Dollars with starred reverse were coined in 1836 with an approximate mintage of 1000 coins. These silver dollars carried the 1792 standard of 416 grains at 89.2% silver and 10.8% copper. Another 600 regular issue coins were struck in 1837 and dated 1836. These coins were affected by the Mint Act of 1837; the act changed the weight
to 412 1/2 grains, and a fineness of 90% silver and 10% copper. Besides the weight, one way to tell the two apart is through die alignment. The earlier coins rotate on a horizontal axis while the latter rotate on a medallic or vertical axis.
The obverse of these silver coins was originally sketched by Thomas Sully and features a figure of liberty seated on a rock. Her right hand resting on a union shield, and left grasping a spear topped with a liberty cap with the date below.
The reverse of the coin shows a flying eagle surrounded by 26 large and small stars that signify the thirteen colonies, which were now states, and also the thirteen admitted to the union since 1789. The inscriptions "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" and "ONE DOLLAR" encircle the entire design.
Coin Specifications:
Designer: Christian Gobrehct
Weight: 26.96 grams
Comp: 89.2% Silver, 10.8% Copper
Diameter: 39mm
Edge: Plain
Back to Coin Collecting Homepage
