CHOICE EXTREMELY FINE 1850-O DOUBLE EAGLE

This is a numismatically significant issue as it is the first double eagle produced at the New Orleans mint. The 1850-O is not really scarce in EF grades but close to 95% of the coins I have seen in 40 or 45 slabs are not choice and original and would not likely sticker at CAC if approved.

This fresh-to-the-market example is a textbook coin for the grade and it has likely never been cleaned or lightened. Both sides show rich russet color with contrasting darkness on the relief dates. As is typical for this date, the obverse is better impressed than the reverse which gives the unfair impression of wear on the flip side. The surfaces are abraded as usual but none are deep or out of keeping with the assigned grade. I have seen inferior 1850-O double eagles in AU50 holders.

The last CAC approved EF45 1850-O double eagle to sell at auction was a nice PCGS coin which realized $9,400 as Heritage 4/13: 5964. A non-CAC NGC EF45 brought $9,400 as Heritage 8/15: 6322.

In my opinion, this choice EF 1850-O is nicer than most AU50 1850-O double eagles and it is clearly a better value.

CAC has approved 14 in this grade with 16 finer.