1881-O Liberty Eagle. MS-60 (NGC).;Sharply struck with vivid orange-gold patina, this is a remarkably well preserved survivor of a low mintage New Orleans Mint issue. Semi-prooflike in finish, both sides exhibit appreciable reflective tendencies in the fields that form a splendid backdrop to satiny devices.<p>After the Civil War, the New Orleans Mint did not resume production of the eagle until 1879 and then only in modest quantities. An often overlooked rarity, only 8,350 eagles were struck, most of which seeing considerable circulation. At the time, collecting coins by mintmark had not yet taken off, therefore very little numismatic notice was paid to the issue. Once the 1881-O eagle found an audience, Mint State examples were generally unavailable, making the issue a significant condition rarity. The few uncirculated examples that do exist are at the very lowest tiers. The appearance of a true Mint State specimen is a noteworthy occurrence and certain to generate considerable interest among the cognoscenti who appreciate such rarities.