1897-O $10 Liberty Head Eagle PCGS MS62 (CAC)

The 1897-O $10 Liberty Head Eagle from the New Orleans Mint is a coveted late-19th-century gold issue with a notably lower mintage than earlier Liberty Head eagles of the decade. Struck in 1897 with a mintage of 42,500, this classic American gold coin represents a distinctive Southern branch mint output that continues to attract strong collector demand across all grade ranges. Certified PCGS MS62 and approved by CAC, this example offers the ideal balance of rarity, eye appeal, and technical quality for collectors seeking a genuinely scarce New Orleans eagle in Mint State. The MS62 level is particularly desirable for the 1897-O, which is more available in AU55 through MS61 yet becomes scarce in MS62 and very scarce in MS63, with pieces above that level genuinely rare. Population and rarity context: "PCGS population: 98 in MS62 (all grades reported at this level)" "Only 42 examples certified higher" "Scarcer date due to lower mintage; increasingly sought in Mint State, especially MS62 and finer" Historical and collector significance: The 1897-O $10 Eagle is recognized as a scarcer New Orleans issue within the Liberty Head series, and it has developed a strong following because it can be obtained in attractive Mint State while still offering true condition rarity at MS62 and above. Over the last few decades, additional pieces have surfaced from overseas holdings, expanding the known population, yet high-grade examples remain elusive and competitively collected. Strike and visual character: 1897-O eagles are typically well struck at the centers, while many show weakness on the stars, particularly the first four or five. Well-preserved Mint State examples often display rich, original gold color, sometimes complemented by subtle orange-gold or deeper honey-gold undertones that enhance eye appeal and underscore originality. Key details: "Date and mint: 1897-O, New Orleans" "Denomination: $10 Liberty Head Eagle" "Grade: PCGS MS62" "CAC approved" "Certification number: 07341985" "Mintage: 42,500