1892-O $5.00 NGC MS61 CAC

The 1892-O is an historic and numismatically significant issue. It is the first half eagle produced at the New Orleans mint since the denomination was discontinued at this facility in 1857. Only 10,000 were struck and most were either melted or shipped to Europe. Of the 100-125+ that exist, virtually all are in the AU50 to MS60 range and show extensively abraded surfaces. The present example is far above-average for the issue and not far from the Condition Census for the date. It is vibrant and highly lustrous with intense orange-gold color atop scuffy surfaces. The obverse is more abraded than the reverse and both sides lack any of the mint-made stains or spots that are sometimes seen on 1892-O half eagles. The last comparable piece to sell at auction was Heritage 12/08: 2042, graded MS61 by NGC, which brought $4,600. This is the only 1892-O half eagle in this grade to have received approval by CAC and no finer pieces have received the coveted "green bean."