Sarah Martha Cochrane (1839-1875)

About This Set: Sarah Martha Cochrane: Born 4 August Missouri, USA; married Edward Pettis, Redford (1829-1915) 14 January 1855 Cottage Grove, Lane, Oregon, USA; died 27 February Cottage Grove, Lane, Oregon, USA.

1839 was a transitional year for the Half Dollar, with both the Capped Bust (Reeded Edge) type as well as the new Liberty Seated type being struck this year. The latter featured two slightly different designs, both with, and without drapery behind Miss Liberty's left arm. In its second year of operation, the New Orleans Mint struck Half Dimes and Dimes of the Liberty Seated Type, while the Half Dollars were of the older Capped Bust design. On the cents, a variety of different transitional heads between the older Coronet and new Braided hair design were tried. While none of the Copper or Silver issues of 1839 are major rarities, the 1839-O and the No Drapery half are condition rarities in the upper MS grades.