CONDITIONALLY SCARCE AU55 1853-O DOUBLE EAGLE

The 1853-O is a much scarcer issue than the 1850-O through 1852-O. It is seen most often in Extremely Fine and the lower About Uncirculated grades and it is very difficult to find in properly graded AU55. Most pieces in the mid-to-higher AU range have been processed and are also excessively abraded.

This piece has never before been offered for sale to collectors and it is a frosty example with nice original rose and light green-gold color; many 1853-O double eagles in AU holders have questionable toning. There are some noticeable marks in the left obverse field which are from contact with other coins during transport; the reverse is cleaner and choice. This is a “meaty” coin for the grade and one which has positive overall eye appeal.

Only one PCGS AU55 1853-O double eagle has crossed the auction block since the summer of 2011 and it realized a very strong $23,325 on October 2014. The last NGC AU55 to sell at auction went for $14,100 as Heritage 8/15: 4448.

I haven’t handled many finer 1853-O double eagles than this and I expect this piece to create a significant stir among Type One collectors.