1856-O $10.00 NGC AU53 CAC

There are four premier rarities in the New Orleans eagle series: the 1841-O, 1859-O, 1879-O and 1883-O. In the second tier, there are a small group of dates that include the 1849-O, 1852-O, 1855-O, 1856-O and 1857-O. Each of these five is scarce in AU50 to AU55, rare in properly graded AU58 and extremely rare in Uncirculated. The present 1856-O is among the most wholesome examples of this date that I have seen in some time. It is clean, well struck and superbly toned with deep rich honey-gold and greenish hues on the obverse and reverse. There have been only two examples of this date in this grade that have appeared at auction during the last two years. The first, Heritage 1/11: 7937, was in a PCGS holder and it brought $4,025. The second, ex Heritage 1/10: 4027, was slabbed by NGC and it sold for $3,738. Neither had the original appearance that this piece displays and neither was approved by CAC.