This numismatically significant issue is the final No Motto half eagle made at the New Orleans mint. Only 13,ooo were produced and the 1857-O half eagle is very scarce in all grades. In Uncirculated it is extremely rare with just three or four known.

This fresh-to-the-market coin is one of the most important half eagles that I have handled in many years. It is sharply struck and abundantly lustrous with superb natural deep yellow gold color framed by thin bands of orange at the rims. There are a few light marks seen here and there in the fields which limit the grade but for an MS62, this piece has superb overall eye appeal.

There is only one example graded higher than this (PCGS MS63) and it has sold three different times. In January 2003 it brought $40,250, in February 2008 it brought $50,025 and the last time it was offered, in January 2011, it realized $48,875. Unfortunately, this coin has “turned” in the holder and it shows unnatural deep orange and purple color.

At the very least, this is the second finest known 1857-O half eagle and it is clearly far and away the best available to collectors. If you are a serious specialist in the area of New Orleans gold, you are already aware of just how significant this piece is. An amazing coin!

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