SOLD
 
This is an 1881-O Liberty Eagle, With Motto,  in an Old Green Holder with a grade of AU55.  It has been awarded a Gold Sticker from CAC, meaning is it a least a grade higher than designated on its slab in their opinion.  In our experience, many of the few gold coins that get the gold sticker are 2 or even more grades higher by the grading standards employed currently.
 
As pointed out by Doug Winter in his book 'Gold Coins of the New Orleans Mint, 1839-1909', 'nearly every known 1881-O eagle is extensively abraded.  These marks are usually deep and detracting'.  This is likely the result of rough handling during transport to US and foreign banks of all of the low mintage New Orleans eagles from 1879-1883.  This example is abraded but deep gouges are to a minimum. Doug also points out that most of the 1881-O eagles have been processed or cleaned.  The example offered here has clearly not been, and thus has excellent luster and original and rich golden-orange surfaces.  Clearly one of the best available examples of this very rare coin.  
 
We would also point out that not only is this lovely eagle a stunner, but the OGH holder is in pristine condition as well. Clearly it has not been transported around in dealer boxes much since holdered, and was likely part of a long-term collection before becoming available for this offering here.
 
CAC/CACG has stickered/graded 33 examples of this 1881-O Eagle.  There are 9 in MS60-61, and 4 in AU58, none higher.  This example falls within this group.  This is the only one with a CAC Gold sticker.  Only 2 1879-1883 O-Mint Eagles have been awarded the Gold sticker, this one in AU55 and an 1882-O in XF40.  How many of the populations are in Old Green Holders?  Probably only a few at best.  To obtain one in MS61/CAC on the rare occasions one is available, is going to cost well over $30,000, and who knows how bad the surfaces have been abraded with deep gouges...................
 
More information about the 1879-1883 O-Mint Eagles is in the Cool Coin Showcase #8:
 
https://www.desertmoonnm.com/post/cool-coin-showcase-8-june-9-2026
 
This coin is approved by CAC.
 
PCGS Cert. #5299280