Expert: Ronald Fern - 7/21/2010

Question
Can you give me an idea of the value of an 1880 US $10 gold coin?

Answer
Hi Frieda:

Thanks for your question.

The value depends date, mint mark and condition. The date you state has two rarer mint marks. The mint mark is found on the reverse of the coin directly below the eagles tail. In 1880, ten dollar gold coins were minted with no mint mark for Philadelphia, a "CC" mint mark for Carson City, an "O" mint mark for New Orleans, and a "S" mint mark for San Francisco. Your coin contains just under a half ounce of pure gold.  With gold at little under $1200 a troy ounce, your ten dollar gold piece has a melt value of about $575.00.

See Link for melt value: http://www.coinflation.com/gold_coin_values.html

To grade your coins: http://coinauctionshelp.com/how_to_grade_liberty_head_gold_coins.html
    
According to a recent issue of "Coin Values" Magazine, your coin with no mint mark or an "S" mint mark, would have a retail value of between $775 in Fine condition to $925 in Uncirculated condition.  A coin with a "O" mint mark is worth more, as fewer coins were struck. If your coin has a "O" mint mark, it would have a retail value of between $775 in Fine condition to $8000 in Uncirculated condition. A coin with a "CC" mint mark is worth even more, as even fewer coins were struck. If your coin has a "CC" mint mark, it would have a retail value of between $825 in Fine condition to $15000 in Uncirculated condition.

You may also want to check the US coin category under gold coins on eBay from time to time to see if your coin is listed what it brings.

If you live close to a local shop, they should offer an opinion as to it's value and if it is authentic at no charge. Always try and get at least two opinions and try and deal with PNG dealers if possible. If you should decide to sell your coin to a dealer, remember they will offer about 50% to 60% of the retail value. Here's a link to find one in your area: http://www.pngdealers.com/dealersearch.php

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Thank You and Good Luck in your collecting.