Expert: Joe Hylas - 1/3/2012

Question
QUESTION: Good evening

  I have a question about an American coin, i have an American 1918, 2 and 1/2 dollar gold coin. it has a bald eagle on one side and it is about the size of a dime. i would like to know anything about this you can, also the value, if it is worth insuring? I do not have an image yet, as this is my mothers coin, but she wanted me to try to find out info on it. if  you do need a picture i am sure i can get one, but might take me a bit. thank you for what ever help you can give me.

Cary

ANSWER: Hi Cary,
The coin you are referring to is a $2.50 Indian Head gold coin,  They were made from 1908 to 1915, then started up again in 1925 and ended in 1929.

You coin should be one of those dates, if it isn't, it is not genuine.

Depending upon the condition, the coin is worth anywhere from $175 and up.  Gem examples
sell for a few thousand dollars.

If I can be of more help, please feel free to contact me directly at www.AllCoins.US

Best Regards
Joe Hylas

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

QUESTION: hi Joe

 i am writing you to ask you if you know anything about the 2 and 1/2 dollar gold coin, i had actually told you that it was a 1918 but have now been tol that it is a 1910 2 and 1/2 dollar gold coin. it is my mothers and she has yet to get ma some pics as it is locked up in her bank vault. she is just wondering if it is worth anything and if she shoul get an apraisal and insurance on it?
thank you for your time and effort in helping us out with this.

Cary

Answer
Hi Cary,
If it is in the bank vault, I would not worry about getting insurance.  The odds of someone breaking into a bank vault are slim and the insurance premium would be prohibitive for what you have.

Even in GEM condition, the coin is only worth about $1,000 - $1500.  Appraisals cost money.  For a coin like this, a written appraisal (which is what you would need) would cost $50 - $75.  It just doesn't make sense to throw more money at it.

Regards and Happy New Year,
Joe Hylas
www.AllCoins.US