Expert: PAPAJACK - 8/7/2008

Question
Dear Sirs

I am in possession of 20 American gold coins, all in  very good condition.

The coins are:

2 one gold dollar coins dated 1853
1 one gold dollar coin  dated 1868
1 one gold dollar coin  dated 1887
1 one gold 2.5 dollar coin dated 1905
1 one gold 2.5 dollar coin dated 1911
1 one gold 3 dollar coin dated 1855
1 one gold 5 dollar coin dated 1882
1 one gold 5 dollar coin dated 1895
1 one gold 5 dollar coin dated 1902
1 one gold 5 dollar coin dated 1908
1 one gold 5 dollar coin dated 1912
1 one gold 5 dollar coin dated 1913
1 one gold 10 dollar coin dated 1894
1 one gold 10 dollar coin dated 1899
1 one gold 20 dollar coin dated 1874
1 one gold 20 dollar coin dated 1880
1 one gold 20 dollar coin dated 1904
1 one gold 20 dollar coin dated 1908
1 one gold 20 dollar coin dated 1924

Would you be so kind and evaluate the coins for me?

A rough approximate estimate will be good enough.

Thanking you in anticipation,
Yours faithfully,
Hanoch Kristal.

Answer
Hello Hanoch,                                                        

These are valuable coins at this time since gold is so expensive. There are many variables in assigning a value to a coin, each has to be examined in person.

The chart below is from a buyer and provides a value they would pay for American Gold Coins that are undamaged and grade extremely fine (EF = a Grade 40 out of a possible 70 points). The prices listed are based on a gold market price of $850 per ounce. Today gold is at $867.50.  

$1 Gold Piece                    $150 Up
$2.5 Gold Piece                 $165 Up
$3 Gold Piece                    $700 Up
$5 Gold Piece                    $225 Up
$10 Gold Piece                  $425 Up
$20 Gold Piece                  $900 Up

2 one gold dollar coins dated 1853
1 one gold dollar coin dated 1868
1 one gold dollar coin dated 1887
(At least $450 if authentic)

Do these dates have a Mint Mark Letter?  (S or D)
1 one gold 2.5 dollar coin dated 1905
1 one gold 2.5 dollar coin dated 1911
(At least $330 if authentic)

1 one gold 3 dollar coin dated 1855
(about $700 if authentic)

1 one gold 5 dollar coin dated 1882
1 one gold 5 dollar coin dated 1895
1 one gold 5 dollar coin dated 1902
1 one gold 5 dollar coin dated 1908 - The 1908 Indian is worth more than the Liberty design.
1 one gold 5 dollar coin dated 1912
1 one gold 5 dollar coin dated 1913
(At least $1,350 if authentic)

1 one gold 10 dollar coin dated 1894
1 one gold 10 dollar coin dated 1899
(At least $850 if authentic)

1 one gold 20 dollar coin dated 1874
1 one gold 20 dollar coin dated 1880
1 one gold 20 dollar coin dated 1904
1 one gold 20 dollar coin dated 1908
1 one gold 20 dollar coin dated 1924 - does this coin have a Mint Mark?  
(About  $4500 if authentic)

So depending on the Mint Marks and the state of preservation on the coins you would be able to sell at these prices or more at today’s market.

If the coins grade higher than 50 on the coin scale you are able to get even more and if the coins were never circulated and have very little wear you would be able to auction them to collectors for multiples of these amounts.

Let me know if you need more information or help selling them.   

Good Luck

PapaJack