Owner Comments:
This eagle date is one of the sleepers in the No Motto series of eagles. This date's true rarity is hid by the substantially inflated NGC and PCGS populations in AU58 and higher. From a search of auction records, it is clear that this date is very rare in AU58 and virtually unknown in grades higher than this.
According to Doug Winter, the 1856-O Eagle is tied for fourth most rare in high grade (along with the 1849-O Eagle) of the No Motto series. He has characterized this coin as among the most undervalued of this series.
This condition census example is well struck and abundantly lustrous with some light markes seen on the obverse. Both the obverse and reverse have attractice light to medium greenish-gold and yellow hues which are characteristic of the issue. Some minor wear can be seen on the high spots, but the overall look of this coin suggests a higher grade.
This Louisiana Purchase Eagle set contains a second 1856-O, an NGC AU55. This PQ has a more satiny luster between the stars. The strike is superior, especially on the left leg on the reverse. It is in an older NGC holder, so an upgrade might be a possibility.
This is a very fun date. Think of it as the Double Eagle 1856-O's little sister!