The 1842-O is the second rarest half eagle from the New Orleans mint both in terms of overall and high grade rarity. There are around 75 known with most in the VF-EF grade range. Examples with natural color and choice surfaces are extremely hard to locate.

This fresh-to-the-market piece shows deep natural russet color which becomes more intense at the peripheries. The strike is as well defined as any I have seen on this date with bold centers and borders. The fields show a field light, old ticks but nothing serious and this gives great overall eye appeal for the issue.

There have been five auction records for EF45 1842-O half eagles, all graded by PCGS, since late 2006 and none are for coins with CAC approval. A PCGS EF45 sold for $4,994 as Heritage 4/14: 6344 and, in my opinion, it didn’t compare to the present example.

Only the 1847-O is rarer among half eagles from this mint and it may be some time before I offer another affordable yet very choice 1842-O.

CAC has approved two with two finer.