1839 50C Drapery XF45 认证号37233018, PCGS号6232

CAC Green Sticker. WB-7, WB-102, R3 (201-500 coins extant). CAC data: 50 total, 8 on grade, 34 higher (3/2020). Comment from GFRC: With Drapery Type, Thick Crusty Gray-Gold Patina, Choice Original Surfaces, Gorgeous!. 1839 brought the introduction of Christian Gobrecht's Liberty Seated design to the half dollar denomination. The first year of issue saw Drapery and No Drapery strikes with only a limited modification of the master hub. The Drapery version is more common but remains challenging when perfectly original and well struck. Please allow me to offer this wonderfully original 1839 specimen that is covered with thick natural grey-gold patina. Regardless of the thick skin, residual luster is readily available during bright light inspection. Surfaces are choice while strike is better than average though not complete. Any 1839 Seated half found with a complete strike is a special event. Housed in PCGS Gen 6.0 holder with CAC approval. Bought at 2020 National Money Show in Atlanta from Gerry Fortin Rare Coins.

Ron Guth

1839 Seated Liberty Half Dollars come in two variations: Wiith Drapery and Without Drapery, referring to the fold of drapery (or lack thereof) beneath Liberty's left arm (viewer's right).  The earliest version of the 1839 Seated Liberty Half Dollar match the 1838's in that there is no drapery below Liberty's elbow.  Later in 1839, engravers added drapery to balance out the dessign.  Subsequent to this change, and "No Drapery" varieties are unintentional and were caused when over-zealous polishing removed the drapery from the die, either partially or fully.

Across all grades, the 1839 Drapery Half Dollar is slightly less common than the No Drapery inb