Christian Gobrecht, the third chief engraver of the United States Mint, made significant contributions to American coinage. Known for his work on the Seated Liberty design, Gobrecht’s artistry left a lasting mark on U.S. coins. To honor his legacy, the Liberty Seated Collectors Club (LSCC) will unveil a special grave marker at his burial site in Rockledge, Pennsylvania, recognizing his work and service to the Mint.
Table of Contents
| Section | Description |
|---|---|
| Introduction to Christian Gobrecht | Overview of Christian Gobrecht’s contributions to American coinage. |
| Unveiling of the Memorial Marker | Details about the dedication event and location of the marker. |
| Professional Background of Christian Gobrecht | Career highlights and Gobrecht’s journey to becoming the Mint’s chief engraver. |
| The Seated Liberty Design | Significance of the Seated Liberty design and its impact on U.S. coinage. |
| Legacy of Christian Gobrecht | Impact and lasting contributions of Gobrecht’s designs on American coinage. |
| Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) | Common questions and answers about Christian Gobrecht’s life and work. |
Unveiling of the Memorial Marker
On November 13, the Liberty Seated Collectors Club (LSCC) will publicly unveil a specially crafted grave marker to honor Christian Gobrecht. This event will take place at Lawnview Memorial Park in Rockledge, Pennsylvania, where Gobrecht is buried. The new marker, made of black granite, will feature an engraving of Gobrecht’s famous 1836 silver dollar pattern design.
The unveiling ceremony will occur at 1 p.m. Eastern Time at Gobrecht’s burial site, located in Lot 136, Section B, Grave 97.
Professional Background of Christian Gobrecht
Early Career and Mint Involvement
Christian Gobrecht’s journey to becoming an engraver began with his professional training, which led to his reputation as a skilled craftsman. In 1823, U.S. Mint Director Robert Patterson offered Gobrecht a position as an assistant engraver at the Philadelphia Mint. Although he initially declined, Gobrecht stayed connected to the Mint by selling letter and number punches, as well as creating a pattern die in 1826.
Gobrecht continued his work with the Mint over the next 17 years. In 1835, he was finally hired as a second engraver following a stroke that impacted William Kneass, the chief engraver at the time. During this period, Gobrecht’s skillful craftsmanship produced various designs, including versions of the Gobrecht dollar, which were minted from 1836 to 1839 in limited numbers.
Appointment as Chief Engraver
After William Kneass passed away in 1840, Gobrecht was appointed chief engraver of the U.S. Mint by President Martin Van Buren. This role allowed him to fully showcase his artistic vision, creating coins that would circulate widely and leave a lasting impact on American currency.
The Seated Liberty Design
One of Gobrecht’s most famous contributions was the Seated Liberty dollar. Based on sketches by artists Thomas Sully and Titian Peale, the Seated Liberty design featured an image of Liberty seated, holding a shield and a pole with a cap. The Seated Liberty motif became iconic and was used on various U.S. coins, including quarters and half dollars, until 1891.
The Seated Liberty design is appreciated for its beauty and symbolism. It represents ideals of freedom and strength, aligning with America’s values during that era.
Legacy of Christian Gobrecht
Christian Gobrecht’s influence on U.S. coinage is long-lasting. His Seated Liberty design became a hallmark of American coinage, recognized for its artistic detail and symbolic power. By incorporating classic motifs of liberty, Gobrecht’s designs not only served a functional purpose but also conveyed the country’s ideals. His work set a standard for future engravers and contributed to the evolving identity of American coins.
FAQs
1. Who was Christian Gobrecht?
Christian Gobrecht was the third chief engraver at the U.S. Mint, known for creating the famous Seated Liberty coin design used in the 19th century.
2. What is the Seated Liberty design?
The Seated Liberty design features Lady Liberty seated with a shield and pole. It symbolizes American ideals of freedom and was used on various coins until 1891.
3. Why is Gobrecht being honored with a memorial marker?
The Liberty Seated Collectors Club (LSCC) is dedicating a memorial to recognize Gobrecht’s significant contributions to American coinage and his role in designing the Seated Liberty.
4. When and where is the dedication event for Gobrecht’s memorial?
The event is on November 13 at Lawnview Memorial Park in Rockledge, Pennsylvania, where Gobrecht is buried.
5. How did Gobrecht become the chief engraver of the U.S. Mint?
Gobrecht became chief engraver in 1840 after serving as a second engraver and assisting with coin designs. He was appointed by President Martin Van Buren after the death of his predecessor, William Kneass.