CONDITION RARITY PCGS/CAC MS63 1897-O EAGLE

The 1897-O is the second scarcest late date New Orleans eagle after the 1897-O. It is generally seen in the AU55 to MS62 range and it is rare in properly graded MS63, and very rare finer.

I bought this choice coin from a very savvy wholesaler who felt this coin could grade MS64 and I can see his point as it is extremely clean and has nice reflectivity beneath soft russet and rose-gold hue. There is a cluster of small marks above the nostril on the obverse and a natural color copper spot can be seen at the lowest curl beneath Liberty's ear.

Surprisingly, there have been four auction sales of this date in PCGS/CAC MS63 since July 2018 with the APRs ranging from a low of $5,880 (for a very scuffy example) to a high of $8,975

If available, a PCGS MS64 example of this date would cost in excess of $15,000 and it might not have better overall eye appeal than this really attractive piece.

CAC has approved five in this grade with four finer.

From the Islay Collection

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