1850 Large Date $10.00 NGC AU58

There are two distinct varieties of 1850 eagle: the Small Date (the rarer of the two) and the Large Date. The date size on the 1850 Large Date is not as mis-spaced as it is on the 1854-O Large Date eagle but it is easy to recognize, especially in comparison to the Small Date 1850 eagle. The 1850 Large Date is underrated in higher grades and it is actually quite scarce in the lower Mint State grades and very rare in MS62 and above. This very frosty slider shows characteristic light green-gold color with choice surfaces and great detail. There are a few small grease stains near star ten on the obverse that are mint-made. Philadelphia No Motto eagles in AU grades offer the collector with sophisticated taste but a limited bidget the opportunity to purchase very interesting coins that contain a half ounce of gold for very affordable sums.

1882-CC $20.00 NGC AU58 CAC

This is exactly the sort of AU58 Carson City double eagle that, as a collector, I would like to have in my collection. There is no real evidence of circulation; just some slight friction on the high spots that is probably the result of having been shipping in a bag. Both sides show deep, rich natural orange-gold color that is extremely attractive. The underlying surfaces are very clean with no marks of note and a good deal of luster present as well. The 1882-CC is the second scarcest CC double eagle from the 1880's trailing only the 1885-CC. It is a rare and high-priced coin in MInt State, meaning that a Gem Slider such as this is an excellent value and in strong demand amongst a large segment of collectors.

1852-O $10.00 NGC AU53

The 1852-O is one of the harder New Orleans eagles from this decade to find in higher grades. When available, it tends to come in the EF40 to AU50 range and is characterized by processed surfaces that are replete with dense abrasions. The present example is one of the nicer 1852-O eagles that I have seen in some time and it is a coin that, in my opinion, could easily have graded AU55 on the "right day." The strike is far above average for the issue with very good detail seen at the centers; the surfaces are very lustrous and quite clean with light green-gold hues. This date is nearly impossible to find choicer than this and I think it is a very good value given its scarcity in all AU grades.

1860-O $10.00 NGC AU55

This is the final New Orleans eagle of the No Motto type and the denomination would remain unproduced at this mint until it was resumed in 1879. I regard the 1860-O as an overlooked scarcity. Only 11,100 were made and of the few hundred that survive, most are in the EF40 to AU50 range. The 1860-O eagle is rare in properly graded AU55 to AU58 and extremely rare in Uncirculated. This example is more original and more lustrous than just about any 1860-O that I have seen in the last few years. It is slightly prooflike with pale orange-gold color that deepens a bit at the obverse border and on the shield. There are a few scattered marks but none are serious or detracting. Only one AU55 has appeared at auction since the summer of 2009; Heritage 1/11: 22442 (encapsulated by NGC) sold for $5,175. The present example is considerably nicer in my opinion and it would make a great addition to an advanced set of Liberty Head eagles.

1882-O $10.00 NGC AU53

This attractive, fresh example shows deep "Euro" coloration with rich green-gold fields contrasted by darker highlights on the relief areas. As is typical for the date, the surfaces show a number of abrasions; on this coin, the majority are on the obverse and they are reasonably well hidden by the depth of the coloration. Only a few hundred examples of this date exist from the original mintage of just 10,820. I have long regarded the 1882-O as an undervalued issue within the New Orleans eagle series.

1857-O $2.50 NGC AU55 CAC

This date is often offered for sale in the AU53 to AU55 range but almost never with deep, original coloration. This example is as fresh an 1857-O quarter eagle as you will find with rich green-gold color and a good deal of dirt tucked-away in the recesses. A few old ticks in the field are nicely concealed by the depth of the coloration. You could literally look for years and not find a nicer circulated 1857-O quarter eagle than this.

Ex Stack's 2/1983: 719, Eugene Detmer collection. The original auction tag accompanies the coin.

1884-CC $20.00 NGC AU53

Light orange-gold with a good deal of luster and cleans surfaces make this an appealing coin for the grade. Affordable and a good example for the beginning collector or the type specialist.

1852 $20.00 NGC AU55 CAC

A choice, lightly worn example that is characterized by extreme originality. The surfaces are frosty with medium rich orange-gold hues and there are very few of the deep, excessive abrasions that are typical for the issue.

1874-CC $20.00 PCGS EF45 CAC

This is a very high end example for the grade with choice, original surfaces and attractive natural medium green-gold color. The surfaces are clean and evenly worn while there is a good deal of luster visible on the reverse. As a date, the 1874-CC double eagle is many times scarcer than the 1875-CC but it is still one of the most affordable Type Two double eagles from the Carson City mint.