Small Letters variety.

1843-O half eagles are known with a Small Letters and a Large Letters reverse. The former is the scarcer of the two with around 125-150 known from a mintage which is estimated to be slightly below 20,000 coins. This date is seen from time to time in EF and the lower AU grades but not often with choice surfaces and almost never with natural color.

This is among the more attractive 1843-O half eagles which I have seen in collector grades. It is an early die state with sharp stars and lettering and very crisp detail at the centers. Both the obverse and reverse show only a few minor circulation marks and have toned to a rich green-gold with splashes of natural reddish-gold at the borders. This is a totally original coin with great eye appeal and it has the look which sophisticated collectors of rare date gold prefer.

With the exception of this coin, no PCGS AU50 1843-O Small Letters half eagle has sold at auction since May 2004.

I can’t imagine a more pleasing example of this variety for the grade and if I were collecting New Orleans half eagles by date, I would strongly consider purchasing this coin.

CAC has approved just three examples of this variety in total and this example is the single best by a full 10 points.