The 1856-O is one of the three final No Motto half eagles from the New Orleans mint. Only 10,000 were produced and like the 1855-O and 1857-C it is a scarce date in any grade and one that is much harder to find than the Charlotte and Dahlonega half eagles of this era.

Nearly all collector grade 1856-O half eagles are bright and unnatural from heavy been cleaned and processed. This piece shows nice deep original orange-gold and reddish hues with flashes of semi-prooflike luster coming from the protected areas. The strike is typical for the date with flatness on stars on through five and on the neck of the eagle. There are a few light marks in the left obverse field which limit the grade.

The last PCGS EF45 1856-O half eagle to sell at auction was Goldberg 2/12: 1552 which brought $2,400. Prior to this, Heritage 4/11: 6508 realized $2,530. Neither of these two coins were original or especially appealing.

Nice 1856-O half eagles are seldom offered for sale and this piece should be of interest to the serious collector of New Orleans half eagles.