Coin and Paper Money Collecting/1855 U.S. $5 gold piece

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Expert: - 8/14/2011


Question
1855 $5 gold piece
1855 $5 gold piece  
QUESTION: I have a 1855 $5 gold piece with a liberty head on the face and an eagle on the back. There are also 13 stars encompassing the liberty head. The date is eaily read and the features on the head and eagle are also distinguishable. There is some wear and probably needs to be cleaned, but I hesitate to do anything to it.
Any information you can provide will be appreciated.

ANSWER: Bridget,

1855 is not considered a rare date by collectors.

By your picture, it has the right look for a circulated coin -- you should not try to clean it.

Current value is about $420.00

I hope this helps,

Dan


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

QUESTION: Dan,
Thank you for your response. It was very helpful. But of course, it leads to another question. What is the best avenue to take to go about selling this coin? There are several reputeable local jewelers who offer to purchase old coins.But is that really the best plan? Once again, your feed back is welcome d and appreciated.

Bridget Pannell

Answer
Bridget,

Whether you take it to a local jeweler or coin dealer, or if you take it to a coin show, it doesn't really matter -- as long as you get about $420 for it.

If you want to try a coin show, you can find listings on the following websites :

http://www.coinshows.com

http://www.coinworld.com

I hope this helps,

Dan

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Dan Moore

Expertise

My strong familiarity with all U.S. Mint coins, extensive reference library, and close relationships with many other dealers allows me to identify just about any coin made in the USA. I receive regular updates to all the current price guides -- both wholesale & retail -- to provide accurate values. So, with a good description or pictures, I should be able to identify and value any U.S. coin you have.

Experience

I've been a coin dealer since the 1980's and a coin collector since the 1960's. I specialize in U.S. Silver Coins and have an active online website -- The Working Man's Rare Coins -- http://www.workingmancoins.com -- offering information and inventory in U.S. coins.

Organizations I belong to :
American Numismatic Association Member #187770
Michigan State Numismatic Society Member #8255
Florida United Numismatics Member #19710
Monroe Coin Club Treasurer
Lincoln Coin Club Board Member
WINS Member #14
CoinMasters Member #1814

Frequently Asked Questions :
I have created a Frequently Asked Questions page on my website, where you may be able to get an immediate answer to your question. You can find the page here :
http://www.workingmancoins.com/FAQ/index.htm


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