1854-O $10 Liberty Gold Small Date NGC AU-55

The 1854-O Small Date is one of the more intriguing varieties within the Liberty Head Eagle series, struck at the New Orleans Mint during a decade of robust gold coinage following the California Gold Rush. New Orleans Eagles from this era saw wide circulation in commerce, making high-grade survivors genuinely scarce, and the Small Date variety adds an extra layer of collector interest that distinguishes it from the more common Large Date issues of the same year. This example carries the added appeal of a branch-mint origin, with the "O" mintmark confirming its New Orleans provenance.

The obverse presents the left-facing Coronet Liberty portrait with bold hair detail and a tiara inscribed "LIBERTY," surrounded by thirteen stars and the date 1854 below. The strike is well-executed, with strong device definition on the portrait and clear star rendering throughout. The reverse displays the heraldic eagle with spread wings, a shield at its breast, an olive branch in the left talon and arrows in the right, encircled by "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" and the denomination "TEN D.," with the "O" mintmark nestled below the eagle - all showing sharp, appealing relief.

NGC has certified this coin AU-55, indicating only light wear on the high points with substantial original mint luster still present across the surfaces. The rich orange-gold color is consistent and attractive, and the luster flows well for the grade. The Small Date variety designation on the NGC label elevates this piece beyond a standard type coin, making it a desirable acquisition for collectors pursuing New Orleans gold varieties or pre-Civil War Liberty Gold by date and mintmark. For those seeking a choice, variety-attributed $10 Liberty Gold from the New Orleans Mint, this example is an excellent candidate. The coin pictured is the exact coin you will receive.

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