SURPISINGLY SCARCE CAC APPROVED PCGS AU58 1854-O HALF EAGLE

The 1854-O is the second most available No Motto half eagle from New Orleans. However, it is surprisingly scarce in properly graded AU58 and it is very rare in Uncirculated with fewer than 10 believed to exist.

This sharply-struck slider has a semi-prooflike obverse coupled with a frosty reverse. Both sides show natural medium yellow-gold color which is even in hue and clearly unenhanced. There is minor wear on the high spots and scattered ticks in the fields but this is a really solid example of a date which is not often seen finer.

Just three PCGS AU58 1854-O half eagles have sold at auction since 1999 and only one sported a CAC sticker. Heritage 1/17: 6785 realized $3,760 and it was comparable in quality to the present piece.

I have assembled numerous sets of New Orleans half eagles for clients and nice 1854-O half eagles always prove to be harder to locate than either party expects it to be.

CAC has approved six in this grade with none finer.

FROM THE ESSEX COLLECTION