1840-O Liberty Head Half Eagle. Narrow Mill. AU-58 (PCGS).This is a delightful example of the issue, both sides sharply defined in virtually all areas with plenty of satiny luster remaining. Dressed in a blend of light orange and medium gold, the surfaces are remarkably smooth for a lightly circulated pre-Civil War era Southern gold coin. An unheralded rarity, as are so many early date Liberty Head half eagles, the 1840-O is easily as rare as its identically dated counterparts from the Charlotte and Dahlonega mints, this despite a somewhat higher mintage of 40,120 pieces. Typically found VF to EF, Choice AU coins such as this are nearly as rare as the elusive Mint State survivors. Worthy of serious pursuit by both half eagle and New Orleans Mint specialists.
