The obverse is lightly toned in soft gold with good luster, showing a strong cartwheel. The reverse toning tends toward a more muted grayish gold with steely luster, the reverse dies leftovers from 1850-51 as noted by Breen. The strike is less than optimal, as can be the case with these New Orleans issues. Liberty's head, the radials on stars 8 through 13, and areas about the reverse wreath lack fine detail to the point where it restricts the grade. Some fine ticking is visible under a loupe, but does not come into play.

As is the case with most Pre-Arrows Half Dimes from the New Orleans Mint, this is well known as a rare issue in Gem Mint State. In confirmation, PCGS reports only three 1852-O Half Dimes certified MS65, with a single MS66 finer.