1840-O $5

Description

Lovely 1840-O MS 63 Half Eagle: Tied for the Finest Known

1840-O MS 63 NGC. Narrow Mill. A beautiful, completely original coin with rich yellow-gold color that deepens somewhat toward the borders. Very well struck with virtually complete definition on the obverse and only the normal bluntness found on the eagle's shield, legs, and talons. The surfaces are very clean with just a few minor scuffs in the open fields that are visible under magnification. Its vibrant, unbroken luster give the coin an overall eye appeal that is far above average for both the date and the grade.
The 1840-O is important as the first year of issue for half eagles from the recently opened New Orleans mint and is scarce even at the AU level. In mint state, it is a very rare coin, with a survival estimate of just three or four pieces. PCGS has graded a pair in MS 61 (6/98), while NGC has certified one in MS 60 and two in MS 63 (6/98). This remarkable coin is tied for the finest known with the John J. Pittman specimen, sold as lot 951 in October, 1997 where it realized $41,250 and was later graded MS 63. The Pittman coin has subsequently been offered for sale by a Florida firm for more than $50,000.
What this superb, fresh '40-O half eagle will realize is anyone's guess, but it is certainly destined to become a centerpiece of a fine set of half eagles or New Orleans gold.

Coin Index Numbers: (NGC ID# 25SK, PCGS# 8200, Greysheet# 8960)

Weight: 8.36 grams

Metal: 90% Gold, 10% Copper

Note for clients in the European Union: This lot is considered by the European Union to be “investment gold”. We believe that it meets the criteria established in Article 344(1), point (2) of Council Directive 2006/112/EC and thus should be exempt from import VAT regardless of the selling price. Any questions or concerns about VAT should be addressed to your accountant or local tax authority.

View Certification Details from PCGS