Pollock, in his standard work on United States pattern coinage, lists a total number of 4 confirmed (seen by him) pieces, with another 2 reported to exist. The coin offered here is listed as (B), and was not seen by him. It was part of the Lemus collection, although currently not pedigreed on the holder. According to Pollock, the example offered here weighs 192.1 grains, has a diameter of 1.199 inches and a die alignment of 360 degrees. The latter is found on all pieces of this particular pattern issue.

The offering of this piece is a rare occurrence, even within the spectrum of American patterns. It technologically fits between the Gobrecht dollars, first struck in December 1836 and sharing a similar reverse and the Liberty Seated half dollars. These were introduced in 1839, sharing the same obverse design with a motif of a seated Liberty. This and many other pattern half dollars dated 1839 were struck in the 1860’s and 1870’s for sale to collectors, and to the benefit of Mint employees who produced and sold them.

Although a single piece has been graded finer (NGC PR-67) it will be hard to improve on the present coin, which has to be seen in hand to be fully appreciated. Wonderful light rose to golden-orange toning is seen on both sides, which shows moderate die rust in the fields. On the reverse, further confirming its status as a restrike, a number of radial die cracks are seen. This is a feature usually found on coins struck from this particular reverse die. The coin boasts exceptional eye-appeal, and could be considered to be a true highlight in a collection of Seated half dollars, Gobrecht dollars or patterns.