Diagnostic Controls & Presets Gobrecht Flying Eagle
Diagnostic Forensic Readings
Forensic Attribution Diagnostic
Real-time metallurgical and die variety cross-examination verified against certified populations.
Technical Breakdown: Physics, Metallurgy & Die Diagnostics
First silver dollar to feature the new legal 900-fine alloy standard established by Mint Director Robert M. Patterson.
In Alignment I, when the coin is rotated vertically like a medal, the flying eagle is upright and flying horizontally.
Documented Benchmark Auction Records
Single finest certified Alignment I original with shimmering deeply mirrored fields and delicate violet toning.
Classic 1858 restrike with coin-turn orientation; bold eagle plumage and pristine denticles.
Ultra-rare pattern issue featuring plain reverse field without stars, struck for Treasury dignitaries.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the 1836 Gobrecht Silver Dollar?
The Gobrecht Dollar was the first silver dollar struck by the United States Mint following a 32-year hiatus (no dollars had been struck since 1804). Conceived by Mint Director Robert M. Patterson and engraved by Christian Gobrecht with sketches by artists Thomas Sully and Titian Peale, it introduced the iconic Seated Liberty and Flying Eagle motifs.
What is Die Alignment I vs Alignment II?
In Alignment I (the original 1836 strike), the dies were aligned in 'medal turn' (head-to-head): when flipped vertically, the eagle is right-side up and flying level. In Alignment II (struck as restrikes around 1858), the dies were set in 'coin turn' (head-to-foot): when flipped vertically, the eagle appears to soar upward at an angle.
Why does the coin say 'C. GOBRECHT F.' on the base?
Christian Gobrecht signed his work on the base of Liberty with 'C. GOBRECHT F.' (the 'F.' standing for the Latin 'fecit', meaning 'made this'). This caused intense public criticism from critics who claimed the engraver was boasting his name too prominently, prompting the Mint to remove his name in later strikings.
How many stars are on the reverse of the 1836 Gobrecht Dollar?
The 1836 Judd-60 reverse features exactly 26 stars scattered across the field around the flying eagle, representing the 26 states of the Union following the admission of Michigan.
How many 1836 Gobrecht Dollars were minted?
Exactly 1,000 pieces of the original 1836 Alignment I dollars were struck in December 1836 and released into general circulation to test public acceptance. Later, small quantities of restrikes were produced between 1858 and 1860 for collectors.
What is on the edge of an 1836 Gobrecht Dollar?
Original 1836 Gobrecht Dollars feature a completely plain, smooth edge. Unlike earlier Capped Bust half dollars and 1794 dollars which had lettered edges, or later Seated Liberty dollars which had reeded edges, Gobrecht dollars were struck in a smooth collar.
How much is an 1836 Gobrecht Dollar worth?
Even in circulated About Uncirculated condition (AU-50 to AU-58), an authentic 1836 Gobrecht Dollar is worth $35,000 to $55,000. In Choice Proof-63 to Proof-64, it commands $75,000 to $95,000, while top Gem Proof-65 to Proof-66 specimens sell for $115,000 to over $160,000.