1839 Gobrecht Dollars -- original vs restrikes
Higashiyama
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Most references to sales of 1839 Gobrecht dollars refer to restrikes. The "redbook" however, suggests that the original is the more common coin, with a mintage of 300. How certain is the history of these pieces, and are restrikes easily differentiated from "originals"?
Higashiyama
0
Comments
There is an excellent article By Michael L. Carboneau and James C. Gray in Issue 82 of the Gobrecht Journal.
They estimate 200 to 250 originals were made in 1839, the difference in quantity from the 300 mintage they believe were coins dated 1838 struck in 1839. These 200 to 250 coins were die alignment IV from perfect dies.
They estimate 150 to 200 restrikes were made in the 1850's and 1860's. Some of these were made in die alignment IV while others were in die alignment III.
If you don't belong to the Liberty Seated Collectors Club I suggest you join. The back issues are $5 each, as long as they are available.
LSCC
Ray