Variety 1.

In my book on New Orleans gold, I ranked this date as the fifth rarest New Orleans half eagle but I now think it is the third rarest after the 1847-O and 1842-O. Of the 11,100 struck, there are less than 100 known with most in the VF-EF range. Properly graded EF45′s with original color and surfaces are rare.

This is the nicest EF45 1855-O half eagle I can recall offering I some time. It shows natural deep green-gold color and it is one of a small handful known which hasn’t been brightened. The surfaces are clean and evenly worn and this piece would qualify as an AU50 if it had a bit more luster. As always, the strike is slightly weak at the centers but this is a superb coin for the date and grade.

Only one EF45 from either service has been auctioned since August and that piece, slabbed by PCGS, brought $2,938 as HA 12/13: 5030. No CAC approved EF45 has ever been auctioned.

If you collect New Orleans half eagles, you know how scarce the 1855-O is and how long you will have to wait until a comparable example is offered again.

CAC has approved two in this grade with two finer. Only four have been approved in all grades.