1804 Capped Bust Eagle

Wow! Those are some really beautiful gold coins!

Since all of these coins are heavily toned, and there is a dark substance in in parts, I am thinking that they may have had boot polish gently rubbed over them, perhaps for preservation.

If it is organic, perhaps acetone may remove tha black stuff. Could also give the gold the richer tone that it should have. If you wish to do this, considering their value, best to get someone who knows what they are doing. Whatever you do, don't attempt to RUB the black stuff off. Pat gently with an acetone soaked rag at most.

Send them in to NGC or PCGS to find out if they are real or not. To be honest, I have seen counterfeit indians that looked close to the real thing so you never know, sometimes the counterfeits look close to the real thing nowadays

Beautiful coins! All appear genuine with the 1804 Draped Bust Half Eagle being the crown jewel on this group by a country mile!

You've received some excellent advice in the previous posts. If you have follow-up questions, just ask and we'll try to help.

In the meantime, do not handle the coins unless necessary and only hold them by the rims (edges). I would buy a few inexpensive holders such as Air-Tites or Kointains to protect them.

and I'll add my WOW! Grand entrance is right. Your coins look fine to me. That 1804 is a keeper! SuperDave's comments are right on the money, I don't see anything wrong with it other than an old cleaning at worst, looks genuine to my eyes, but still, a coin like this should be in a slab, I'd choose PCGS if it were me, just since they are the top tier TPG company right now. The other coins could be gradded as well, but I see no real need to do so on them, they have more value as gold and sentimental probably than the slabs would end up costing, though if you go the PCGS route, you will sign up for their collectors club and receive some free certificates for grading your coins, the 1804 won't qualify as it's value is too high, the others would work though, then the 1804 could be graded in their secure plus holder on the same invoice. If you do send them in you want to be sure to package them securely and insure the package, I don't know what Canada uses, but on coins such as these I ship Registered Mail, it's the most secure mail form the US has.

I think that 1804 half eagle is a thing of beauty. "Crusty" coppery gold is very popular with collectors(including myself), because it is often an indication of originality, the coin hasn't been dipped, cleaned or messed with. I would prefer it that way over a the look of untoned gold.....and many other collectors would agree. I think that one will bring really strong value at an auction...I would go through Heritage if you intend to sell.

Imo for what its worth, I wouldnt send the 1804 into pcgs where there is a chance it would receive a genuine grade; where NGC would give you a details grade. I think the light cleaning on the 1804 would prevent it from being 'gradeable'

and thanks for sharing your lovely coins with us.