1880-O Liberty Head Eagle. AU-58 (PCGS).A captivating example with virtually full detail remaining to a razor sharp strike. Even light gold patina blankets surfaces that also retain ample evidence of a satin to modestly semi-prooflike finish from the dies. Attractive in all regards, this coin is eagerly awaiting inclusion in an advanced collection of New Orleans Mint coinage or Liberty Head eagles.Coinage operations at the New Orleans Mint ceased in 1861 shortly after control of the facility passed from the federal government to the State of Louisiana and, eventually, the Confederate States of America. Although federal forces captured New Orleans in 1862, the Mint remained inactive as a coinage facility until 1879. Pressure to strike as many silver dollars as possible pursuant to the terms of the 1878 Bland-Allison Act resulted in the resumption of coinage operations at the New Orleans Mint. Much of the facilitys 1879-dated coinage comprised Morgan silver dollars (2,887,000 pieces), but token mintages of eagles and double eagle were also achieved that year (1,500 and 2,325 pieces, respectively).While additional double eagle deliveries were not forthcoming, the New Orleans Mint continued eagle production sporadically through 1906. The 1880-O is the second issue in the later O-mint eagle series (as distinguished from the early New Orleans Mint eagle series of 1841 to 1860). As the mintage of 9,200 pieces might imply, the 1880-O is a scarce to rare, key date issue in all grades. It is not as rare as either the 1879-O or 1883-O, both of which have much lower mintages, and is also seen more frequently than the 1881-O. The 1880-O ranks immediately behind these other three issues in terms of both overall and high grade rarity, and it can be challenging to locate even in lower circulated grades. Estimates on the number of coins extant vary, but we believe that no more than 250 pieces are known. Most survivors are more heavily worn that the near-Mint example offered here, which fact speaks volumes about the fleeting nature of this offering for the astute bidder.
