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Description

1883-O Liberty Head Eagle, AU55
Rare O-Mint Gold Issue
Standout Example

Just 800 Pieces Struck

1883-O $10 AU55 NGC. Variety 1. The 1883-O eagle is the rarest New Orleans eagle, according to Doug Winter, who ranks it as one of the rarest O-mint gold issues of any denomination in his series reference on New Orleans Mint gold coins (third edition, 2018). Of the 800 pieces originally struck, Winter estimates that today only 45 to 55 pieces survive in all grades, and perhaps 15 to 18 coins in high grades (AU50 and above). The low mintage is notable for many reasons -- it is the lowest of any branch mint Liberty Head eagle, and only the famous 1875 and 1876 Philadelphia eagles have lower mintages than the 1883-O.

At best, auction appearances of the 1883-O are infrequent. We average about one appearance per year, the most recent of which was in our February 2018 Long Beach Signature auction, when a splendid AU58 PCGS coin set a record for the issue, realizing $126,000. Several 1883-O price records have preceded the current record-holder over the past five years, including the present coin, which was last offered in 2014 and briefly held the high-water mark until later that year.

It is an understatement to say that any appearance is of special note to series specialists; indeed, the presence of an 1883-O Liberty ten adds stature to any major auction, and stands above most gold offerings regardless of date or denomination. Clearly, a mintage of just 800 pieces commands notice, even in a series that presents one of the greatest challenges in all of numismatics for its number of low-mintage, exceedingly rare dates and mints.

This AU55 NGC piece displays excellent eye appeal on surfaces that are well-struck overall, showing light field chatter but no large, singular marks. Some reflective prooflike texture remains in the protected areas around the device edges. A faint greenish tint mellows bright yellow-gold surfaces, while evidence of actual wear is minimal at most. Even in the present exceptional ANA lineup that is replete with remarkable rarities, this 1883-O eagle is a standout coin that will form a centerpiece in any fine collection.
Ex: ANA National Money Show Signature (Heritage, 2-3/2014), lot 4209.(Registry values: N4719)

Coin Index Numbers: (NGC ID# 2668, PCGS# 8701, Greysheet# 9501)

Metal: 90% Gold, 10% Copper
Weight: 16.72 grams
AGW: 0.53oz
Mintage: 800


View Certification Details from NGC

Auction Info

Auction Dates
August, 2019
14th-18th Wednesday-Sunday
Bids + Registered Phone Bidders: 12
Lot Tracking Activity: N/A
Page Views: 678

Buyer's Premium per Lot:
20% of the successful bid per lot.

Sold on Aug 14, 2019 for: $69,000.00
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