1839-O Classic Head Quarter Eagle. McCloskey-1, Winter-2. Close Fraction, Large Arrows. AU-50 (PCGS).

Medallic die alignment, as always seen for this variety. Satin to softly frosted surfaces retain plenty of mint luster that is brightest under strong lighting. Pretty golden-olive patina is seen throughout. The obverse is boldly defined overall, and the reverse is sharply to fully defined from the rim to the center. The 1839-O is a numismatically significant issue with tremendous appeal for advanced gold enthusiasts. It is the first New Orleans Mint quarter eagle, the only one of the Classic Head design type, and the only one that displays the O mintmark on the obverse. The mintage is just 17,781 pieces, although its first year status explains an above average rate of survival for a Southern gold issue from before the Civil War. Even so, the 1839-O is scarce in AU and, with so few Mint State examples certified, this lustrous and attractive coin represents the finest in quality realistically obtainable for many collectors.

PCGS# 7701. NGC ID: 25G7.

From the Francesca Collection.