1850-O Liberty Seated Half Dollar. WB-7. Rarity-3. MS-64 (PCGS). CAC.

1850-O Liberty Seated Half Dollar. WB-7. Rarity-3. MS-64 (PCGS). CAC.，Wisps of delicate reddish-gold iridescence are seen on the predominantly brilliant surfaces of this attractive Choice half dollar. The razor sharp strike is notable for this early New Orleans Mint coin, with the detail full over most design elements. Highly lustrous with a satiny finish from the dies, this is a simply gorgeous example worthy of the strongest bids.<p>The 1850-O half dollar is interesting from the standpoint of the number of pieces produced for its era. As related above in our description for the Philadelphia Mint 1850 half dollar in the Vanderbilt Collection, the discovery of gold in California in 1849 and the subsequent Gold Rush quickly upset the balance between gold and silver on the world market. The effect on half dollar coinage at the main facility in Philadelphia was immediate, and the mintage of the 1850 was dramatically lower than the previous year. In New Orleans, however, it was business as usual for one more year as the branch mint delivered 2,456,000 half dollars to meet local needs, although they sold at a premium in relation to current bank notes (New Orleans was the banking center of the Central South). It was not until 1851 that the effects of the Gold Rush began to curtail the flow of silver bullion to the New Orleans Mint, and the mintage of half dollars that year plummeted to 402,000 pieces.<p>Despite the fact that many examples were likely melted as their bullion value outstripped their face value, the 1850-O is available in most circulated grades. Mint State coins are scarce, however, as there was no numismatic interest in this issue at the time. Rare at the Choice level, this premium quality piece will be a highlight in any collection.，From the A.J. Vanderbilt Collection. Earlier from our (Stacks) sale of the Estate of George C. Slawson, April 1970, lot 1110. Lot tag included.，