1846-O Liberty Head Quarter Eagle. Winter-1. PCGS MS61 The Blue Hill Collection (CAC)

The 1846-O Liberty Head Quarter Eagle from the New Orleans Mint is a key Southern gold issue and a notably scarce date, especially in grades above Extremely Fine. Most survivors are encountered in VF with the typically weak strike associated with the issue, making this Mint State example a significant opportunity for collectors seeking true quality in an 1840s-O quarter eagle. Certified MS-61 by PCGS with CAC approval (Cert #37758989), this Winter-1 variety represents one of the small handful of 1846-O Quarter Eagles known in Mint State. The issue is seldom found at this level of preservation, and demand remains strong for New Orleans gold that combines historical appeal with genuine condition rarity. "Highlights" Date and type: 1846-O Liberty Head Quarter Eagle, Winter-1 Mint: New Orleans Grade: MS-61 (PCGS), CAC approved PCGS Population: 14 graded in MS-61, with 10 higher Original mintage: 62,000 "Historical and Numismatic Importance" The New Orleans Mint played a central role in antebellum American gold coinage, and quarter eagles from this facility are avidly collected for their regional history and distinctive production characteristics. While the 1846-O saw a substantial increase in mintage compared to earlier years, true rarity is driven by survival and condition. This date is slightly rarer overall than the 1847-O, 1851-O, and 1852-O, and it is scarcer than the 1847-O, 1850-O, 1851-O, and 1852-O in overall availability. The date is most often seen in EF40 to AU50; it becomes scarce in the mid-About Uncirculated range and is rare in properly graded AU58. Only a small number of Mint State pieces are believed to exist, underscoring the importance of an MS-61 example. "Strike and Typical Diagnostics" Approximately three-quarters of known 1846-O quarter eagles are weakly struck. The obverse is generally sharper than the reverse but often shows softness in the curls around Liberty’s face and at the top of the bun. The final two digits of the date frequently appear crude, a known characteristic of 1846 quarter eagles from all mints and not a defect unique to New Orleans. "Why Collectors Pursue This Coin" A scarce New Orleans gold quarter eagle with meaningful condition rarity A desirable, collector-confirmed example with CAC endorsement for quality within the grade An ideal candidate for Liberty Head Quarter Eagle sets, New Orleans Mint sets, or advanced date-and-mint collections focused on better-grade Southern gold An 1846-O Quarter Eagle in Mint State is a seldom-available classic gold coin that pairs rich pre-Civil War history with genuine scarcity, making it a standout acquisition for both dedicated specialists and collectors seeking an important New Orleans gold issue.