1845-O Liberty Head Half Eagle. Winter-1, the only known dies. AU-55 (PCGS). CAC.
Vivid pinkish-apricot highlights blend with dominant honey-gold color, the surfaces attractively original in preservation. Both sides are sharply struck with plenty of softly frosted luster in evidence. The 1845-O is underrated, especially when compared to many of the more highly regarded Charlotte and Dahlonega mint issues of its era. Survivors from a mintage of 41,000 pieces are elusive in all grades and likely number no more than 200 coins. Most are circulated to one degree or another, and the typical market appearance is for a VF or EF example. Only a small number of Mint State coins are known and, not surprisingly, market appearances for these are few and far between. With premium Choice AU quality, as confirmed by CAC, the present example represents the finest realistically obtainable by most of today's advanced Southern gold collectors. It is a highlight of the Fairmont Collection's JBR Set and will be just right for another significant numismatic cabinet.
PCGS# 8225. NGC ID: 25TD.
PCGS Population: 17; 16 finer, 10 of which are Mint State (MS-63 finest). CAC Population: 19 in all AU grades.
From the Fairmont Collection - JBR Set.