Lot 1855
1836 Pattern Gold Dollar. Gold, plain edge. Judd-67. Pollock-70. Rarity 5. PCGS graded Proof 64 PQ. Intense mirror surfaces reflecting rich golden-orange color throughout. A Premium Quality coin for the given grade. This year is notable for the appearance of Patterns for two denominations which were not regularly issued until many years later, the two-cent piece and the gold dollar. Mint engraver Christian Gobrecht interrupted his work on the second obverse of the silver dollar to make the simple dies for the Pattern gold dollar. The dies were completed and specimens struck before March 14, 1836, for a letter of that date from the Director to the Secretary of the Treasury enclosed a specimen in gold.
On the obverse a halo of rays surrounds a cap inscribed LIBERTY. On the reverse a palm branch encircles the denomination 1 D., with the legend UNITED STATES OF AMERICA around and the date below. Struck in gold with a plain edge.
1836 was a decisive year in American numismatics. The first 1836 Reeded Edge half dollars were struck using a new steam powered press, with a "close collar" or "collar die," for the edge of the coins. The Gobrecht dollars are world famous, of course, and first appeared in 1836. Although nothing came of the experiment in striking this Gold Dollar (until 1849, when the Gold Dollar was finally authorized by Congress), this handsome little coin, with its simple but beautiful theme of a Liberty cap. Pop 4; 6 finer with 3 in 65, 3 in 66 (PCGS # 11260) .
Estimated Value $15,000 - 16,000.
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| Realized $17,825 |
