After 1861, no more half dollars would be struck at the New Orleans Mint until 1892. Although plenty were manufactured in 1859, 1860 and 1861, the Civil War put an end to production for the next three decades at that Southern facility. Although the 1859-O came from a robust mintage of 2.8 million coins, very few have survived in the upper mint state conditions. The present piece is one of only 10 so graded by PCGS. The surfaces display an appealing champagne hue and the striking detail is excellent throughout.