Expert: Troy Thoreson - 12/17/2009

Question
QUESTION: Hi Troy,

Could you please give me a current Blue Book value for my 1900-P  MS-64 PCGS Double Eagle?. I have the 2010 Blue Book for U.S. coins, but the 1900 double eagle isn't listed in MS-64 grade. Basically, I'm just trying to find out what a dealer might pay for this coin?.

Thanks much for your time,

Mike

ANSWER: Hi Michael,

Copper and black spots are a big deal on twenties.  If your coin has any distractions or spots the following pricing will not work.  The Blue book pricing is out of date because of wild fluctuations in the gold market.  In general, and at current gold prices, you should be able to find offers in the 2500 to 3000 range and maybe a touch more.  Retail pricing will be more, but remember you have to find a buyer with good money.  I hope this helps!    

Yes, the following is a canned response designed to help the novice collector with general information.  If you need more explanation or you feel my answer is to short, please call me or reply with a more specific question.  I own and operate two active coin shops and I apologize in advance if my answer is short, to the point, or lacking detail.  Again, please reply or if I missed something or if you need more information.

Information given about values is general and determined by current market conditions and/or the price of metals.  Prices and values are subject to change.

Please remember to never clean coins, this can damage and lessen their value.  Also, soft plastics can contain harmful chemicals that can react with coins over time.  Try using inert materials when storing coins.  Plus, it is always a good idea to store coins in a safe.  The safe should not be exposed to the elements and should not be up against a wall to the outside.  These are just a few tips I have learned over the years to help keep your collection in top shape.

If you found this information helpful please nominate me for category expert in coins.  If coming through Los Banos, CA please feel free to look us up at Thoreson Numismatics, 947 6th Street, Los Banos, CA  93635.  209-826-0777, email troy@aucpro.com or TNC Coins located at 118 West Main Street, in Turlock, CA  95380  209-668-3682.   Please remember that we are always in the market to buy and sell coins, currency, tokens, and medals both U.S. and World.  We are also licensed to buy scrap gold & platinum jewelry.  

Thanks for the question,


Troy Thoreson, President
Auc Pro, Inc.
Thoreson Numismatics
www.aucpro.com


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

QUESTION: Hi Troy,

Thank you for the quick response, and sound advice. It's been some time since I've looked at my 1900 Double Eagle, but I believe the coin is mostly free from distractions such as copper and black spots. I keep my entire collection in safety deposit boxes at my local bank, and I only check my collection about every 6 months or so. So without having the coin in front of me, I can't say for certain about the copper spots. Just going off of memory, I believe any spotting is minimal. Your price range of $2500-3000 sounds about right to me. I guess if I was really conservative, it shouldn't be a problem getting several offers from dealers around $2000?.

I also have two other slabbed Double Eagles I'm trying to get  approximate dealer values for:

1. An 1896-P $20 NGC MS-63.

2. A 1914-S $20 PCGS MS-64.

Just like the 1900 Double Eagle, both coins are mostly free from copper and black spots(from what I remember). By the way, I appreciate the advice about storing coins in inert plastics. A couple years ago I found 2 or 3 Morgan Dollars developing a slimy green appearance, so I switched all my raw coins over to inert plastics to prevent further damage. I'ts a mistake I'll never make again.

Thank you very much for your time.

Mike

P.S.

I already nominated you as an expert in this category.

Answer
Hi Mike,

We buy and sell coins all day long and are happy to help you out.  At current market prices you can expect offers in the $1600 to $1800 range for the twenty Saint and $2500 to $3000 on the 96P $20.  If spotted in any way they will be discounted.  Prices are also subject to changes in the market (ie if gold drops $25 or more).  We have two locations and are happy to received coins by Registered insured mail.  Payout happens on the same day and a check is mailed after talking to the customer on the phone.  Please feel free to call me if you have any questions or wish to use our service.    

Yes, the following is a canned response designed to help the novice collector with general information.  If you need more explanation or you feel my answer is to short, please call me or reply with a more specific question.  I own and operate two active coin shops and I apologize in advance if my answer is short, to the point, or lacking detail.  Again, please reply or if I missed something or if you need more information.

Information given about values is general and determined by current market conditions and/or the price of metals.  Prices and values are subject to change.

Please remember to never clean coins, this can damage and lessen their value.  Also, soft plastics can contain harmful chemicals that can react with coins over time.  Try using inert materials when storing coins.  Plus, it is always a good idea to store coins in a safe.  The safe should not be exposed to the elements and should not be up against a wall to the outside.  These are just a few tips I have learned over the years to help keep your collection in top shape.

If you found this information helpful please nominate me for category expert in coins.  If coming through Los Banos, CA please feel free to look us up at Thoreson Numismatics, 947 6th Street, Los Banos, CA  93635.  209-826-0777, email troy@aucpro.com or TNC Coins located at 118 West Main Street, in Turlock, CA  95380  209-668-3682.   Please remember that we are always in the market to buy and sell coins, currency, tokens, and medals both U.S. and World.  We are also licensed to buy scrap gold & platinum jewelry.  

Thanks for the question,


Troy Thoreson, President
Auc Pro, Inc.
Thoreson Numismatics
www.aucpro.com
Life Member American Numismatic Association #5362
Life Member California State Numismatic Association #L6204