The 1851-O is one of the two most available Type One New Orleans double eagles in all grades. It is sometimes available in AU but probably less than 10% of all the graded coins I have seen are CAC quality, due to excessive bagmarks and abusive cleaning.

This light green-gold example has enough luster and body to grade at least AU53 but it is a late die state with noticeable weakness at stars one through five, the date and the upper reverse. The fields show light marks only and the color is very pleasing. The quality and eye appeal is better than average for the date and grade.

The last PCGS AU50 example with CAC approval to sell at auction brought $9,988 as Heritage 2/14: 4248. It is interesting to note that despite a combined PCGS/NGC AU50 population of 166, just 6 have been approved by CAC.

If you have been searching for a nice CAC approved Type One New Orleans double eagle priced below $10,000, give this piece some serious consideration.

CAC has approved six in this grade with 25 finer.

For more information on this date, click here.