1839 50C DRAPERY MS65 PCGS CAC EX POGUE

This superb 1839 Liberty Seated Half Dollar, With Drapery, certified MS65 by PCGS and endorsed by CAC, ranks among the finest survivors of this transitional design. Attributed as WB-102 and struck from Die Pair 5, this example is one of only five pieces certified at this grade level by CAC, with none finer. Its provenance includes two of the most revered cabinets ever assembled for Seated Halves: the Pogue and James Bennett Pryor Collections—pedigrees that speak volumes to the coin’s quality and historical importance. The surfaces are remarkably original, dressed in a blend of golden-bronze, violet, and aquamarine tones, accented by golden-peach centers and framed with peripheral hues of crimson and magenta—hallmarks of long-term cabinet storage. Subtle glints of pink and gold flicker across the satiny fields, while silvery luster illuminates Liberty’s gown and shield. The reverse displays a cooler captivating palette, with soft rose-gold toning warming the fields. The coin’s luster is softly frosted throughout, producing a cartwheel effect when rotated under light. The strike is particularly strong for the issue. Design changes introduced late in 1839—namely the added drapery folds below Liberty’s elbow and the re-carved rock with greater distance from star 1—reflect the evolution of Christian Gobrecht’s design. Mint State examples remain elusive, especially at Gem level. PCGS has certified only 5 Drapery half dollars in MS65 or finer across all varieties, placing this piece in elite company. Since 2021 and 2017 when this coin previously sold, there have been two auction records at MS65, the Eliasberg example in 2023 and in 2024 a non-CAC at $20,400. Safe to see this is one of the finest and best representation for this important year. Today both PCGS & CAC have a Price Guide of $26,000.

Ex:

Mid-American Rare Coin Auction (2/1985), lot 481; 

From James Bennett Pryor Collection (Bowers and Merena, 1/1996), lot 98

From Dallas Signature (Heritage, 1/2009), lot 673;

D. Brent Pogue Collection, Part V (Stack's Bowers, 3/2017), lot 5027 - $21,150

(Heritage, 02/2021), lot 3687 - $19,200

PCGS Cert Verification #32707208

• PCGS Price Guide -  $26,000
• PCGS POP - 5/2
• PCGS POP Variety- 1/0
• CAC Price Guide - $26,000
• CAC POP - 5/0
• PCGS Coin# - (Variety of: 6232)

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