The 1845-O is the rarest and best known quarter eagle from this mint. Only 4,000 were made and there are likely under 100 known with most in the VF-EF grade range. The 1845-O is very scarce in the lower AU grades and it is unquestionably rare in properly graded AU55 to AU58. Only three exist in Uncirculated and I have owned all of these at one time or another.

As on all known examples, this piece displays bold repunching on the 18 in the date. What makes this coin special is its impressive natural color which incorporates bold natural coppery-gold hues, especially in the obverse fields. The strike is a bit better than average for the issue and there is a good deal of natural luster present; it is slightly reflective in texture. The surfaces are choice; a shallow depression in the right obverse field is mint-made and this is seen on most 1845-O quarter eagles.

Only two AU55 1845-O quarter eagles have appeared at auction since 2005. The last of these, graded by PCGS, brought $12,100 as Great Collection 9/13: 134794. In 2005, an NGC AU55 realized $8,625 in an ANR sale.

If are assembling a set of New Orleans quarter eagles you no doubt are aware that the 1845-O is the Big Kahuna and the chance to purchase a CAC approved AU55 might not occur again for some time.

CAC has approved three in this grade with two finer (both AU58).