The 1851-O is comparable in rarity to the 1846-O and there are around 100 examples known with most in the EF40 to AU50 range. Locating an 1851-O half eagle with natural color and choice surfaces is very difficult as most have been cleaned or “improved” and this issue saw extensive circulation in the Antebellum South.

This fresh to the market example has never before been offered for sale to collectors. It is a totally pristine coin for the grade with lovely deep even green-gold color with some dirt seen in the recesses of the reverse lettering. Unlike virtually every 1851-O half eagle I have seen, this piece is sharply struck at the centers with virtually none of the usual lack of detail. The surfaces are clean and choice and the eye appeal is far above average for the date and grade.

The last two PCGS AU50 1851-O half eagles to be sold at auction realized $3,220 and $3,290 in late 2012. Both were low end for the grade and neither had CAC approval.

I have seen inferior New Orleans half eagles of this era in AU53 and AU55 holders and I find it hard to imagine many AU50′s of this quality and appearance still exist.

CAC has approved two in this grade with seven finer.