Radiant golden-bronze, violet, and aquamarine mingle with golden peach at the centers. The strike is exceptional for the issue, virtually full on the peripheral elements of both sides. Stars 12 and 13 lack centers but the remaining stars are nicely sculpted. An old shallow mark loosely parallels the eagles neck on the reverse, just barely disturbing the underlying luster. Light clash marks are seen within the shield and correspondingly at Libertys elbow. The visual appeal is typical of coins from both the Pogue Collection and the James Bennett Pryor Collection, one of the finest cabinets of half dollars ever formed.Struck in the final few months of year, the Drapery design type is the most frequently encountered variety of 1839 Liberty Seated half dollars. In addition to the extra folds that fall from Libertys left elbow, the rock she sits upon has been reduced in size and is now slightly farther from star 1. It was suggested by series specialists Randy Wiley and Bill Bugert that the rock was truncated to "better balance the metal flow during coin striking," which was potentially affected by the additional drapery. Though spared the type collector demand associated with the No Drapery type, Drapery examples present a close rival for rarity in Mint State, having received little attention from contemporary collectors. Only a tiny number of gem examples have survived, and PCGS has certified only four in MS-65 or finer. This piece is tied with the Eliasberg coin at the MS-65 level; only the Hain-Gardner and Rev. Dr. McClure specimens have received a finer grade from PCGS, both MS-65+.
