1853/2 $10.00 NGC AU55

The 1853/2 is one of only two legitimate overdates in the Liberty Head series along with the 1839/8 Head of 1838. It is not really as rare as once claimed in lower grades but it is scarce in properly graded AU55 to AU58 and extremely rare in full Mint State (I have only seen two and none better than MS61). When available in the middle AU grades, this issue tends to be processed and unattractive. The present example is one of the few 1853/2 eagles I have seen with nice color. The peripheries on both the obverse and reverse have acquired a fiery reddish-gold hue that nicely contrasts the natural lighter rose-gold centers. There is a good deal of luster present and the abrasions that are present are commensurate with the grade. A few small obverse rim marks at 9:00 to 10:00 do not detract.