The 1842-O is the second scarcest quarter eagle from the New Orleans mint It is not often seen above AU53 to AU55 and many f the coins in AU58 holders are either late die states from rusted/lapped dies or are bright from having been cleaned. Properly graded AU58′s are very scarce and this date is quite rare in Uncirculated with around six to eight pieces known.

This lustrous slider is uncommonly well detailed for the issue with nearly fully struck centers and sharp peripheral details which show no areas of lapping. The color is a natural yellow-gold shade and there is a good amount of natural mint luster seen on both sides. The surfaces are choice with no readily visible marks and the overall eye appeal is far above average for the date and grade.

Just three PCGS AU58′s have sold at auction since May 2008 with the last one (approved by CAC but weakly struck at the centers) selling for a strong $7,050 as Heritage 10/12: 5542.

If available, a PCGS MS61 would likely be priced at around $10,000 and it would probably not be much better than the present example in terms of appearance.