1836 Gobrecht Dollar (J61) Tribute – 2 oz Silver
Liberty sits against an open field while an eagle crosses a sky of stars on this 1836 Gobrecht dollar tribute. The J61-inspired design combines the name-on-base obverse, starry reverse, and reeded edge in 2 troy ounces of .999 fine silver.
A Collaboration in American Coin Design
The Gobrecht dollar grew from Mint Director Robert M. Patterson’s effort to redesign the silver dollar in the 1830s. Thomas Sully supplied the seated Liberty concept, Titian Peale contributed the eagle design, and Christian Gobrecht adapted the artists’ work for coinage.
The Smithsonian preserves an 1836 pattern dollar pairing seated Liberty with an eagle surrounded by stars. This earlier visual arrangement offers a clear contrast with later Gobrecht designs that moved stars around Liberty and left the eagle’s field plain. Comparing the two reveals how changes in the background can transform the balance and mood of the same central subjects.
Obverse Design
Liberty sits on a rock, holding a capped pole and resting a hand beside a shield inscribed “LIBERTY.” The open surrounding field emphasizes her pose and flowing drapery. The name-on-base treatment follows the stated J61 style, and the date 1836 appears below the seated figure within a beaded border.
Reverse Design
A flying eagle extends across a field of scattered stars, its wings and layered feathers creating a sense of motion. “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” surrounds the upper design, and the modern weight inscription identifies the tribute as two troy ounces. The starry setting is the defining contrast with the plain-field J84 companion design.
Specifications
- Weight: 2.00 troy ounces
- Metal: .999 fine silver
- Diameter: 39 mm
- Thickness: approximately 6 mm
- Edge: Reeded
- Finish: Brilliant Uncirculated
Explore more designs in our silver round collection.