1847-O Liberty Head Half Eagle. AU-55 (NGC).An impressive absolute and condition rarity that belongs in an advanced collection of Southern gold coinage. The amount of remaining detail is significant for an issue that is typically offered no finer than VF, the reverse particularly sharp with crisp delineation throughout the eagles plumage. The obverse is also sharp apart from a touch of softness to the hair curls over Libertys brow, which feature is characteristic of the strike for this issue. Even medium gold patina to both sides, the surfaces a bit muted with wispy hairlines, yet retaining flickers of original satin luster in the protected areas that enhance the eye appeal. The last New Orleans Mint half eagle struck prior to 1850, the 1847-O was produced to the extent of just 12,000 pieces. Commercial use claimed most of these coins and, with fewer than 75 coins believed extant, perhaps as few as 50 to 60 pieces, the 1847-O is the rarest half eagle attributed to the Louisiana branch mint. This is a Condition Census coin that ranks behind only two Mint State survivors and a few other Choice AUs.
