1844-O Liberty Head Half Eagle. MS-63 (NGC).This remarkable condition rarity would serve as a highlight in an advanced gold cabinet. Lively satin luster mingles with bright golden-yellow patina providing outstanding visual appeal. The strike is razor sharp, a characteristic not often associated with New Orleans Mint coinage of any denomination or type. Both sides are fully choice in quality with a very attractive smooth appearance. Worthy of the strongest bids.<p>At 364,600 coins struck, the 1844-O has the highest mintage among Liberty Head half eagles from the New Orleans Mint, including both No Motto and Motto issues. In recent years NGC has certified 19 examples recovered from the shipwreck of the <em>S.S. New York</em>, the present example included. Even so, the 1844-O remains rare in the finest Mint State grades. In solidly graded and attractive MS-63 this certified coin is surpassed by only a few MS-64s known to NGC, and the highest graded example -- the Bass II:937 coin -- graded MS-65 by PCGS. For advanced Liberty Head half eagle enthusiasts or Southern gold specialists this is a significant offering.NGC Census: 14; 6 finer (all MS-64).Ex <em>S.S. New York</em>.
