New Piece: 1839 No Drapery Half - MS62
Catbert
Posts: 7,169 ✭✭✭✭✭
The winter FUN show provides many opportunities to engage with the hobby. One of the priorities for me is always to do some auction lot viewing and Heritage had the incredible Walter Husack collection of early large cents on display. While enjoying this experience, I decided to see what was also available in my favorite series - seated half dollars.
I was very pleasantly surprised to see what I felt was a quality no drapery half among the lots. This has been a long desired type coin as both a half dollar denomination and seated half collector. Other collectors of type have made this coin popular given it's one year design and the design being changed in the next year. As such, they are very expensive and especially so at the MS level.
I noted it was not CAC certified likely due to the small pit shown on the obverse left field and some scuff marks in the right obverse field. These were not major distractions and, when considering the PL reverse and overall attractiveness, I felt it was a winner if it could be bought at the right price (and budget!). I asked @BillJones to kindly provide his opinion and it passed his muster. Had I anticipated encountering the coin before my attendance at the show, I would have sought @MFeld 's eye as well.
This coin was coming from the Gobrecht Raisinet collection and formerly from the Troy Wiseman collection (auctioned in 2006). Interestingly, it also is the CoinFacts plate coin for this type although there are higher graded pristine examples in the images section. CoinFacts lists this as an 8.5 rarity in MS60 and higher.
Here's a video that will give you an idea of the in hand look:
https://player.vimeo.com/video/906184859
The Heritage auction pics were not the best and I speculate that this helped me obtain this coin at an attractive price compared to current guide prices.
"Got a flaming heart, can't get my fill"
Comments
Also seen on the reverse are die striations that add another level of interest.
"Got a flaming heart, can't get my fill"
Rare and popular type coin of the Seated series.
I LIKE that example. You did well.
Sometimes, it’s better to be LUCKY than good. 🍀 🍺👍
My Full Walker Registry Set (1916-1947):
https://www.ngccoin.com/registry/competitive-sets/16292/
GRATZ ... going to have to see this in hand !!!
Top 10 Cal Fractional Type Set
successful BST with Ankurj, BigAl, Bullsitter, CommemKing, DCW(7), Elmerfusterpuck, Joelewis, Mach1ne, Minuteman810430, Modcrewman, Nankraut, Nederveit2, Philographer(5), Realgator, Silverpop, SurfinxHI, TomB and Yorkshireman(3)
Very nice!! I love that reverse. Almost has a PL look to it.
- Bob -
MPL's - Lincolns of Color
Central Valley Roosevelts
It looks fantastic for this hard to find no drapery half dollar! So many of them look so bad.
Mr_Spud
Gorgeous coin Cat! That's a rare piece! Love it!
Wonderful addition to your set Cat, fantastic eye appeal and originality on a scarce issue. Sticker not needed, I would have NO problem enjoying that one just the way she is, congrats!
Founder- Peak Rarities
Website
Instagram
Facebook
Nice looking coin!
That is a treasure.
Looks slightly struck out of collar on the rev a 7oclock. Just adds to the early mint Allure. Lovely and well bought
11.5$ Southern Dollars, The little “Big Easy” set
Beautiful. Original. Scarce. Congrats!
I am a newer collector (started April 2020), and I primarily focus on U.S. Half Cents and Type Coins. Early copper is my favorite.
Great eye appeal! P0CKETCHANGE approved 👍🏼
Nothing is as expensive as free money.
Wow, great coin!!
Great coin Cat!
You have a good eye Brother!! One step at a time we strive ...
“We are only their care-takers,” he posed, “if we take good care of them, then centuries from now they may still be here … ”
Todd - BHNC #242
Very nice Cat! That's a lovely addition to your collection.
Coin Photographer.
Great coin with or without cac stamp of approval
Wow! Beautiful!
One minor correction, though the design is a one-year type, the design was changed in the same year. Seated Liberty halves continued their "hemimetabolous metamorphosis" by enlarging the date and lettering in an apparent step-wise manner three years later.
That's a heck of a coin.
"It's like God, Family, Country, except Sticker, Plastic, Coin."
Sweet coin, and another wonderful addition to your set, congratulations.
I was the underbidder on that lot!
Congratulations nonetheless.
Beautiful addition- congratulations!
Nice coin, congrats on acquiring it!
An authorized PCGS dealer, and a contributor to the Red Book.
Very nice, and a WB-3, R5, the most difficult ND die marriage adds a little spice.
Congratulations.
Seated Dollar Collection
It's nicer than mine.
A nice coin from a very tough type.
I like that a lot
Collector, occasional seller