1842-O $5 MS(PCGS#8212)

The August 2010 Boston Rarities Sale

Auctioneer

Bowers & Merena

Lot Number

1657

Grade

XF45

Price

3,881

Lot Description

1842-O Liberty Half Eagle. Winter Variety One, the only known dies. EF-45 (PCGS). After only the 1847-O, the 1842-O (16,400 pieces produced) is the rarest issue in the New Orleans Mint Half Eagle series. Doug Winter (<em>Gold Coins of the New Orleans Mint: 1839-1909</em>, 2006 edition) accounts for only 50-60 survivors in all grades, most of which are no better than VF. Only lightly worn from circulation, the present example is actually quite boldly defined apart from the characteristic softness of strike to the central highpoints. We see no abrasions of note, although khaki-gold surfaces are a bit subdued with a glossy texture that points to a light cleaning. An important offering for an issue that is very challenging to locate at all levels of preservation.