Owner Comments:
The 1879-O eagle is the second lowest mintage figure of any New Orleans eagle and the second lowest mintage figure for any gold coin struck at this mint. It is the third rarest New Eagle in terms of overall rarity, trailing the incomparable 1883-O and the famous 1859-O. It is thus the second rarist of the with motto eagles. There are an estimated 25 to 30 known in AU and above, including one very beautiful mint state 61 piece, very nicely toned, that sold in an ANR auction, Lot 5152, in January of 2007 for $52,900.
The Louisiana piece is part of an estimated only half dozen properly graded AU58 (PCGS 6/0 NGC 13/1). This PCGS AU58 piece is possibly the nicest, and thus would be the second finest known. It is a totally original example from the Pinnacle Collection. It is, as usual, mostly prooflike with a number of abrasions visible on the surfaces. However, the luster around the stars has frost present. This piece does not appear to have any actual wear and it displays warm, rich natural yellow-gold with attractive orange hues around the stars. The strike is excellent, including all the stars.
In the opinion of Doug Winter, this issue is much undervalued in all grades and it should be recognized as one of the true Classic rarities from this mint.