Variety 2; Narrow Mill.

This numismatically significant issue is the first half eagle made at the New Orleans mint. But unlike its cousins the 1838-C and the 1838-D half eagles, the 1840-O is not a famous issue with multiple levels of demand. That’s never made sense to me, especially given the rarity of the 1840-O in higher grades. There are probably not more than 10-12 known in Uncirculated with most in the MS60 to MS61 range. The finest known is the NGC MS65 originally from the Pittman collection.

This well struck example shows full detail at the centers and borders as well as nice light yellow-gold color. There are some minor scuffs in the fields and some light rubbing on the high spots but it is free of any wear and the eye appeal is excellent for the issue. As with many examples, the reverse die rotation is slightly askew and this adds character to any already agreeable coin.

No MS61 1840-O half eagle has been sold since February 2009 and only five have appeared at auction since the summer of 1999.

An important condition rarity for the advanced collector of New Orleans gold.

sold