The 1844-O is the most common No Motto half eagle from this mint. It is easy to find in all circulated grades and sometimes can be located in MS60 to MS61; around two to three dozen exist in this range. In MS62, the 1844-O is scarce and it is rare in properly graded MS63.

This very sharply example is an early die state struck before the obverse was lapped, with full radial lines in the stars and only minor softness at the very centers. The lightly abraded fields show rich natural rose and medium range-gold color and none of the marks are out of character with the assigned grade. A tiny mint-made planchet impurity on the brow of Liberty serves as ready identification.

There have been no PCGS MS62 1844-O half eagles sold at auction since November 2000, when the Bass IV coin brought $5,060. In May 2013, an NGC MS62 without CAC approval realized $6,463.

In terms of appearance and quality, this coin compares very favorably to an NGC MS63 I was recently offered by another dealer at $16,500. A great type coin for the collector who would like to own a single high grade No Motto half eagle from New Orleans.

From the RYK Collection.