1851-O $2.50 Liberty Head Quarter Eagle NGC AU58

Even though this issue has the second highest mintage (148,000) of the New Orleans quarter eagles, it is much scarcer than the lower mintage 1845-O. The 1851-O quarter eagle is counted among the more common New Orleans issues, however it is more rare than its mintage indicates. It is typically found in grades of VF and XF. However, it become scarce in the higher AU grades and is a rarity in uncirculated. NGC has graded 132 as AU58, with 52 finer.

The New Orleans Mint, where this piece was struck.

The strike quality varies on this issue. The obverse is always sharper than the reverse. Some pieces present good detail on the obverse with most of the curls around the face being fully detailed. The stars are generally full and sharp with strong radial lines. The reverse shows weakness on the eagle’s right leg and the neck feathers. When grading an 1851-O $2.50 piece, it is important to pay closer attention to the obverse, as discussed above.