1842-O $2.50 (1842-O Quarter Eagle) NGC AU55 CAC. This New Orleans Mint 1842-O Quarter Eagle shows sufficient separation in the lines of Libertys hair to warrant the grade, which is confirmed by CAC and indicates that the coin is choice for the grade. The coin, like all the quarter eagles of this date and mint, shows weakness above and below Libertys ear and on the eagles neck and feathers. However, this piece shows full star centers indicating a strong overall strike. Some remaining mint luster is seen in protected areas of the coin.

Christian Gobrecht designed the Liberty Head Quarter Eagle. It was minted from 1840 to 1907, the longest span of any coinage series without any major design modification. In that period of time 11,921,171 quarter eagles were minted.

Gobrecht used the coronet motif for his design. It shows a profile of Liberty facing left. Her hair is tied in the back with beads as two curls flow down her neck. On the coronet the word LIBERTY is inscribed. She is surrounded by thirteen six-pointed stars and the date, which is below the truncation. At the periphery are dentils on both sides of the coin. The reverse of the coin shows a heraldic eagle with wings outstretched looking to the left. In its talons it holds the olive branch and arrows, symbols of peace and preparedness. The inscription UNITED STATES OF AMERICA is in an arc around the eagle, interrupted by the wing tips. The denomination written as 2 D. is below, separated from the inscription by dots. The mintmark is below the eagle.

The New Orleans Mint building was made in the solid, bulky Greek Revival style of architecture. It was the largest of the three branch mints and located at major port of entry. Unfortunately William Strickland, the Philadelphia architect who did the design, did not account for the soft ground around the site. Because of it, the building had to undergo numerous repairs throughout its history.

In its population report, NGC has certified 17 1842-O quarter eagles in AU55 with 33 better. As of June, 2011, CAC has confirmed 1, the present coin at AU55, with 3 better.