Expert: Ronald Fern - 12/14/2009

Question
QUESTION: My grandfather was a coin collector.  Prior to his death, he had an 1901 gold coin made into a necklace as well as an 1893 gold coin made into a bracelet for my grandmother.  I have since inherited them, and wonder if they are worth anything?

Thank you in advance.  I have attached a picture - hopefully it helps!

ANSWER: Hi Greta:

Thanks for the question.

You didn't give the value of the coins. I took your photo and saved it to a file, then enlarged it. Based on the photo, the smaller coin is dated 1893, and the larger one 1901. The reverse of the coins will give their denomination. I'm going to guess the 1893 is a $2.50 gold piece, and the 1901 a $5 gold coin. Both appear to be in fine to very fine condition.

Based on a recent issue of "Coin Values", your 1893 coin is worth about $195 to $235 , and the 1901 from between $375 to $380. The metal content value of your coins, based on gold at $1117 a troy ounce is $135 for the $2.50 coin, and $270 for the $5 coin.

The metal used for the bracelets is usually 14K gold, but it would have to be tested and weighed to determine value. I'm going to list a link that will give you some basic information on both the metal value of the coins and the bracelets. Link: http://www.silverrecyclers.com/index.php

If you should decide to sell your coins to a dealer, remember on gold they will offer about 80% to 85% of the retail value. You should always get two or more estimates, and try and deal with PNG (Professional Numismatists Guild) dealers when possible. I'll list the link for you to check dealers near you.

To find a PNG dealer, see Link: http://www.pngdealers.com/dealersearch.php

You might also find similar pieces on Ebay.com under US gold and/or gold jewelry for comparison.

Please remember to go to the experts site to rate this answer. And check the nomination box on the rating page below any comments you may have.

Thank You and Good Luck in your collecting.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank you so much for the information.  It is most helpful.  

The 1901 one is a ten-dollar coin and the 1893 is a five-dollar coin.  Does that change anything?  Both the bracelet, bezel and chain is 14K gold.  They're quite heavy, actually!  

Answer
Hi Again Greta:

Yes. It changes the value, as each is related to an ounce (troy) of gold. Based on a recent issue of "Coin Values", your 1893 $5 gold coin is worth about $375 to $380 , and the 1901 $10 gold coin from between $650 to $725. Do either of the coins have a mint mark on the reverse? An "O" and a "CC" are worth a little more on the $5 coin. The metal content value of your coins, based on gold at $1117 a troy ounce is $270 for the $5 coin, and $540 for the $10 coin.

Please remember to go to the experts site to rate this answer. And check the nomination box on the rating page below any comments you may have.

Thank You and again, Good Luck in your collecting.