Gobrecht Dollar J-61 Tribute – 1 Troy Ounce .999 Fine Silver Round

Product Description

A tribute to one of the rarest and most artistically important experimental silver dollars in United States numismatic history.

The 1836 Gobrecht Dollar marked the return of the American silver dollar after a suspension lasting more than three decades. Created during a remarkable period of experimentation at the United States Mint, its elegant Seated Liberty and naturalistic flying eagle introduced a new artistic direction that would influence American coinage for generations.

This tribute is inspired by Judd-61, the extraordinarily rare reeded-edge variation of the 1836 Gobrecht Dollar. While the more familiar Judd-60 was produced with a plain edge, J-61 paired the celebrated “Name on Base” dies with a reeded edge, creating a pattern variety often described as unique or nearly so.

The obverse depicts Liberty seated upon a rock in flowing classical robes. She holds a pole topped by a Liberty cap, an ancient symbol of freedom, while her other hand rests beside a Union shield bearing the inscription LIBERTY. The uncluttered field emphasizes the sculptural quality of the figure, with the historic date 1836 appearing below.

The reverse features a remarkably lifelike bald eagle soaring through a field of 26 stars. Thirteen larger stars represent the original colonies, while 13 smaller stars recognize the additional states admitted to the Union by 1836. The inscriptions UNITED STATES OF AMERICA and ONE TROY OUNCE surround the design, while .999 FINE SILVER discreetly identifies the round’s precious-metal content.

Struck in-house by Intaglio Mint from one troy ounce of .999 fine silver, this 39mm tribute round preserves the elegance and open composition of the historic J-61 pattern while making one of America’s rarest coinage designs accessible to modern collectors.

The Gobrecht Dollar

By the 1830s, United States Mint Director Robert M. Patterson sought to modernize the nation’s coinage and restore the silver dollar to production. Acclaimed portrait artist Thomas Sully developed the concept for the seated figure of Liberty, while naturalist and artist Titian Peale contributed the soaring eagle imagery.

Christian Gobrecht translated their artistic concepts into coinage dies, producing a design unlike any previous American silver dollar. Liberty appeared as a complete seated figure rather than a traditional portrait bust, and the reverse abandoned the stiff heraldic eagle in favor of a natural bird captured in flight.

The Seated Liberty motif subsequently became one of the longest-lived designs in American numismatic history, appearing on half dimes, dimes, quarters, half dollars, and silver dollars throughout much of the 19th century. NGC Coin Explorer

The Rare Judd-61 Pattern

The Judd numbering system classifies experimental, trial, and pattern issues produced by the United States Mint. Judd-61 is distinguished from the closely related Judd-60 primarily by its reeded edge.

The conventional Judd-60 Gobrecht Dollars struck in December 1836 had plain edges and weighed 416 grains. J-61 was produced with the same basic “Name on Base” design but featured a reeded edge. Its precise striking history remains the subject of numismatic research, with specialists describing it as one of the rarest variations in the entire Gobrecht Dollar family. PCGS reference, NGC research

Interesting Facts

• Gobrecht Dollars were the first United States silver dollars produced for circulation since 1803.
• Christian Gobrecht became the third Chief Engraver of the United States Mint in 1840.
• The Seated Liberty concept originated with celebrated American portrait artist Thomas Sully.
• The flying eagle design was based upon artwork prepared by naturalist Titian Peale.
• The reverse contains 26 stars—13 large and 13 small—representing all 26 states in the Union by 1836.
• The Liberty cap traces its symbolism to ancient Rome, where it represented emancipation and freedom.
• The “J” in J-61 refers to Dr. J. Hewitt Judd, whose reference work established the standard numbering system for United States pattern coins.
• J-61 is distinguished by its reeded edge, while the more commonly encountered 1836 Gobrecht Dollars generally have plain edges.
• The original Gobrecht flying eagle later influenced the design of the Flying Eagle cent issued from 1856 through 1858.
• Augustus Saint-Gaudens reportedly admired the Gobrecht flying eagle, and its influence can be seen in later American coinage.

Specifications

• Design: Gobrecht Dollar J-61 Tribute
• Historic Date: 1836
• Original Engraver: Christian Gobrecht
• Contributing Artists: Thomas Sully and Titian Peale
• Metal: .999 Fine Silver
• Weight: 1 Troy Ounce
• Diameter: 39mm
• Edge: Reeded
• Mint: Intaglio Mint
• Country of Manufacture: United States

Why Collect This Piece?

The Gobrecht Dollar occupies a pivotal place in American numismatic history. It restored the silver dollar, introduced the enduring Seated Liberty motif, and presented one of the most naturalistic eagle designs ever used on an American coin.

Judd-61 adds another level of fascination. Its experimental reeded edge and extraordinary rarity make the original pattern virtually unobtainable for most collectors. This one-troy-ounce .999 fine silver tribute provides an accessible way to appreciate its graceful artistry and historic importance.

With its open neoclassical composition, soaring eagle reverse, and connection to one of the United States Mint’s rarest experimental issues, the Gobrecht Dollar J-61 Tribute is an exceptional addition to any collection of American coinage, silver rounds, or historic pattern designs.

This privately minted tribute round is not legal tender and is not affiliated with or issued by the United States Mint.