1860-O Liberty Double Eagle. AU-53 (PCGS).；This challenging New Orleans Mint issue of the Type I double eagle design has a peculiar quality of strike that is readily recognizable among specialists. As evidenced by the present example, stars 1-4 on the obverse are always softly impressed, and a few of the hair strands on Libertys portrait are blunt and indistinct. This piece does have an above average strike on the reverse, however, where the horizontal shield lines and most of the eagles tail feathers are bold, if not sharp. Also significant for this coin is a lack of extensive wear, the surfaces overall boldly defined and even retaining ample evidence of the prooflike finish for which the issue is known. Scattered light handling marks are noted, none of which are worthy of individual attention (nor are they out of place in a rare date double eagle attributable to the New Orleans Mint). The 1860-O is a leading rarity in the New Orleans Mint double eagle series, with an estimated 85-95 examples known in all grades. It is also a prime condition rarity, and is very rare in AU and unknown in any Mint State grade.
