1851-O $20.00 NGC AU58

Only two New Orleans double eagles, the 1851-O and the 1852-O, are seen with any regularity in the higher AU grades but both are very scarce in properly graded AU58 with original color and surfaces. This lovely example, with a semi-prooflike texture noted below glowing yellow-gold color, is an interesting late die state that shows strong evidence of die lapping on the obverse stars (especially four through nine) that is the result of overzealous polishing of the dies in an attempt to eradicate die rust. Only a touch of light rub can be seen on the cheek of Liberty and in the fields but my guess is that this was the result of friction from a coin cabinet as opposed to time spent in circulation as there are only a few small ticks in the fields as opposed to the usual dense abrasions. As you might expect, this date takes an enormous price jump in the next grade(s) up. If you can find an MS61 (and I doubt it will be a whole lot nicer than this "slider") you are probably looking at $35,000-40,000.