Louisiana Purchase
$2.50 1850-O

Owner Comments:

The 1850-O is similar in rarity to the 1851-O and 1852, being number 8, 7 and 9 in that order. There are an estimated 9 -12 known in mint state.

This NGC MS63 is the third or fourth finest known (PCGS 2/1 NGC 1/1). See that only two have been graded higher than this; one each at PCGS and NGC. As a quick perusal of Winter's book on New Orleans gold will show, both of these coins have been upgraded; one from a PCGS MS62 holder and one from a PCGS MS63 holder. Another example, the one in the Pinnacle Collection, was graded MS62 by PCGS (and is listed in Jefferson's Change!).

This MS63 designated coin is bright and extremely lustrous with appealing light yellow-gold color which changes to a medium golden-orange in the obverse fields. The surfaces are, literally, “as made” with no discernible marks visible even under light magnification. The strike is typical for the date with some weakness seen at the centers and on a few of the stars (especially the sixth). The reverse is actually a bit sharper than usual with reasonably good detail seen on the facing leg of the eagle.