Lot 1889
1842-O. PCGS graded AU-53. Nice light golden toning. Only 27,400 minted. Original luster around the devices. Moderate abrasions in the field and on the devices for this scarce New Orleans minted specimen.
Christian Gobrecht’s Coronet style, also called the Liberty Head or Braided Hair motif, was used on the eagle beginning in 1838, two years earlier than on the quarter eagle and one year before the style was used on the half eagle. This followed a lapse of coinage of the denomination since 1804.
The obverse depicts a female head, nicknamed Miss Liberty by numismatists, facing left, her hair in a bun secured by a string of beads, wearing a coronet inscribed LIBERTY. Stars surround, and the date is below.
The reverse shows an eagle with a shield on its breast, perched on an olive branch, holding three arrows. The inscription UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, TEN D. surrounds. The Liberty head used in 1838 and early 1839 is slightly differently styled than that used later in 1839, continuing to the end of the series. Pop 10; 14 finer (PCGS # 8587) .
Estimated Value $4,000 - 4,250.
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| Realized $4,583 |
