Golbrecht Silver Dollar Public Education
1836-1839
Chistian Golbrecht designed the so-called Golbrecht silver dollars, minted from 1836 to 1839. Varieties exit based on alignment of the obverse to reverse and whether or not stars were added to the obverse and/or reverse. Because these are rare and valuable silver dollars, numerous counterfeits and copies exist. Golbrecht dollars contained 0.8924 oz. of silver and had a weight of 26.73-26.96 grams.
Gobrecht Dollar Specifications
The following gives dates, mintages, and varieties of the Golbrecht dollars. Coin turn is defined by having dies 180 degrees apart, whereas medal turn is defined by having dies aligned by 0 degrees apart (flip coin from top to bottom if both align up, it’s a coin turn; if alignment is upside down, it’s a medal turn).
| 1836 | 1000 | Stars on reverse only; plain edge C. Golbrecht on base on obverse (coin turn) |
| 1836 (struck 1837) | 600 | Same as above (medal turn); Eagle flying upward |
| 1838 | ??? | Stars added to obverse; name on base omitted; no stars reverse; Eagle flying level. |
| 1839 | 300 | Same as 1838, but has a reeded edge. |
Retrikes of the Golbreach dollars were minted at a later date, likely from the 1850s to 1870s. They can be identified by the following.
| 1836 | Name below base; Eagle w/stars reverse; plain edge |
| 1836 | Name on base; no stars reverse; plain edge. |
| 1838 | No name on base; reeded edge |
| 1839 | no name on base; no stars reverse; reeded edge |
Golbrecht dollars are normally collected by a single type, by date, and perhaps with stars and without stars and/or by alignment. This is only for collectors, dealers, or investors who have the means to afford such sets. Proofs, even in the lower Proof-60 grade, can cost in the $20,000 range and more depending on grade.
Certification and authentication by a reputable grading service or consultation with a reputable and knowledgeable dealer or numismatic specialist is mandatory.
1836 Coin Steam Press displayed at the American Numismatic Association, Colorado Springs, CO.
1836 Golbrecht Silver Dollar with stars on the reverse