Along with the 1851-O, the 1852-O is the most common New Orleans double eagle in all grades. But in higher grades, the 1852-O is far from common and properly graded Mint State pieces are very rare, especially with natural color and choice surfaces.

This fresh to the market example has more originality and eye appeal than any 1852-O that I have seen in some time. It is toned in rich natural orange-gold hues and this, to me, shows that it has not been cleaned or dipped. Much of the luster is intact and it is slightly reflective with areas of frost seen as well. The surfaces are cleaner for the grade than one would expect with the major abrasions located in the left obverse field near the chin of Liberty; the reverse grades at least MS61 if not a point higher.

No PCGS MS60 example of this date has ever sold at auction. The last NGC MS60 was Heritage 10/12: 6149 which sold for $29,375 and was not original or choice. Heritage 9/13: 6842, graded MS61 by NGC, sold for $38,188 and it was not as original as the current piece as well.

This is the only 1852-O double eagle in any Mint State grade to have been approved by CAC and it will make a great addition to an important set of Type One double eagles or a specialized set of New Orleans condition rarities.

CAC has approved one in this grade with none finer.