SCARCE PCGS AU55 1842-O $10

Winter-3.

The 1842-O is the second eagle produced at the New Orleans mint. It was traditionally lumped with the 1843-O and 1844-O issues but it has proven to be considerably scarcer in high grades. The 1842-O is not often seen above AU55, and it is very rare (and very expensive) in Uncirculated.

This piece shows very little actual wear and it is likely that it never entered circulation. As on virtually every known 1842-O eagle, this piece is noticeably abraded with the deepest marks seen in the inner left obverse field. The color is original with nice honey-gold and russet hues seen on both sides. The strike is sharp with just a slight amount of weakness seen on the curl above the ear of Liberty. All in all, this is a wholesome example with better-than-average eye appeal for the date and grade.

No PCGS AU55 1842-O eagles have sold at auction since the Heritage 1/2016: 6527 coin which brought $7,050. There are three other records between July 2005 and June 2014 which range between $8,225 and $9,775.

If you can even locate a PCGS AU58, it is likely to cost around 2x the price of this nice AU55 and this should prove appealing to the savvy but quality-conscious collector.

From the Novato Collection of New Orleans Eagles

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