1845-O Half Eagle (1845-O $5) PCGS AU55 CAC. This lovely branch mint 1845-O half eagle shimmers with bright luster in the devices. The surfaces are lightly abraded, but the marks are not significant enough to require individual description. We see a slight bit of wear on the high point of both sides, consistent with the grade. The strike is full and sharp.

We see all of Libertys curls and all of the eagles feathers and lines in the shield. Christian Gobrecht designed the Coronet or Braided Hair half eagle, which were minted from 1839 to 1908. In addition to changing the obverse, he also changed the denomination on the reverse. Instead of 5 D. on the previous style eagle, the coin now had FIVE D. for the denomination.

All 1845-O half eagles are very scarce. The PGCS population report shows only 86 certified in all grades. In AU 55 there are 11 with 7 better. CAC has 3 in AU55 with 3 better.