The 1853-O is a numismatically significant issue as it is the only New Orleans half dollar with the addition of the arrows and rays design elements. The 1853-O is dozens of time scarcer than its Philadelphia counterpart and it is estimated that fewer than 50 are known in Uncirculated, mostly in the MS60 to MS62 range. I know of just one Gem (the Eliasberg: 1957 coin) and only a handful of properly graded MS64′s.

This exceptional example has a fully prooflike obverse with glassy russet gold central colors framed by swaths of electric blue at the borders. The reverse is frosty in texture and has a light golden center framed by old album toning in multiple hues. A few small marks in the right obverse field are visible below a glass but this piece is remarkably choice for the grade and has wonderful overall eye appeal.

The last CAC approved PCGS MS63 to sell at auction was the Legend Morphy 2/14: 141 coin which realized $9,400.

This is an impressive example of an issue which I regard as both historically significant and highly undervalued in the current market.

CAC has approved four in this grade with two finer.