RARE PCGS/CAC AU53 1855-O HALF EAGLE

Only 11,100 half eagles were made by the New Orleans mint in 1855 and the 1855-O is scarce in all grades; it is most comparable to the 1856-O and 1857-O issues. The 1855-O becomes rare in the mid-AU range and it is nearly unavailable in AU58 and above.

This is a coin whose appearance will be really appreciated by the knowledgeable specialist. This date is virtually non-existent with natural color and choice surfaces and the present example has remarkable deep olive-gold and russet shadings over uncommonly clean surfaces. I would be surprised if a finer AU53 1855-O half eagles exists.

Only one PCGS AU53 1855-O half eagle has sold at auction in close to two decades and it brought $5,170 as Stacks Bowers 3/17: 2387. Only one PCGS AU55 has sold since 20099 and it brought $7,475 as Heritage 2/12: 4782. In my opinion, the present example is way superior.

The 13 coin No Motto New Orleans half eagle set is very popular with collectors as it is challenging yet completable in the AU grades.

CAC has approved 2 in this grade and 2 finer (AU58 and MS61).