RARE PCGS/CAC AU53 1857-O HALF EAGLE

The 1857-O is numismatically significant as the final No Motto half eagle from this mint. It is similar in overall rarity to the 1855-O and 1856-O with an estimated 90-100 known from an original mintage of 13,000. There are fewer than two dozen 1857-O half eagles in the various AU grades and of these you can count on one hand the number which are CAC-worthy.

This fresh-to-the-market example is extremely "meaty" for the assigned grade and it would not look out of place in an AU55 holder. The minimally abraded surfaces are semi-reflective and show natural green-gold hues with some lilac splashes at the lower obverse.

No PCGS AU53 1857-O half eagle has sold at auction since October 1999 and the last PCGS AU55 to cross the block was back in June 2008.

The term "rare opportunity" is grossly misused in the coin business but from the auction data listed above, collectors will realize that the chance to obtain a choice AU 1857-O half eagle with the coveted PCGS/CAC embellishment is truly a rare opportunity.

CAC has approved just this 1 coin in AU53 with 3 finer.