RARE CHOICE AU 1857-O HALF EAGLE

The 1857-O is numismatically significant as the final No Motto half eagle from the New Orleans mint. Fewer than 100 likely exist from an original mintage of just 13,000 and the typical survivor is well-circulated. In the higher AU grades, this date is rare–especially with natural color and choice surfaces–and it is extremely rare with just three or four in Uncirculated including one in PCGS MS62 and another in PCGS MS63.

This fresh-to-the-market example is perhaps the single most crusty higher grade 1857-O half eagle of which I am aware. It shows nice even deep color on both sides and the underlying surfaces are clean. There is underlying luster and what little wear is present is confined to the high spots.

The last PCGS AU55 1857-O half eagle to trade at auction brought $5,290 in a June 2008 sale.

Along with the 1855-O and 1856-O, this date is one of a trio of rare, underappreciated No Motto half eagles from this mint and it is an issue lacking in most collections of New Orleans fives.

CAC has approved two in this grade with one finer (MS62).