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 Replies: 9 / Views: 4,479 |
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New Member
United States
7 Posts |
Hi,
I have a $20 libery gold coin from 1881, and it was passed down from my family to be and I'm trying.to get some information about its rarity can anyone help?
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Pillar of the Community
United States
3453 Posts |
 and  It could be worth melt, it could be an awesome find! The best way to know is to see it.  EDIT: One little letter could make a huge difference  Edited by CoinsKelly
11/23/2012 10:15 am
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New Member
 United States
7 Posts |
I will post pics as soon as I logon to my computer and npt my phone :) and yes the letter on the back at the bottom is a S.. when ypu say it could be worth melt, doea that just mean what the gold is worth if you melt it down? Sorry, I'm new to this :) I know the coin is just shy of an ounce of gold. I seen the same coin just 20 years older in pretty perfect condition go for over 10k so I'm curious since mine is the same, just newer ans not as perfet. But I heard the S is a huge deal.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
3453 Posts |
For this discussion, I will assume the coin is authentic. Right now the amount of gold in it equals $1689. So really you have nowhere to go but up IMHO. Here is a descent guide for retail prices. This is what you might expect to pay if you are purchasing one. http://www.numismedia.com/fmv/price...icesgd.shtml The key for your coin is whether or not you get to MS62 or above. While there can be contact marks in MS, there can be absolutely no wear on the coin. Now is where I bow out - there are folks here who specialize in gold and can give you a more detailed opinion as to the grade of it. I look forward to seeing your pictures!  |
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Moderator
 United States
23522 Posts |
The Philadelphia version - with no mint mark - is actually much rarer than the San Francisco coin you have. That said, if your coin has not seen circulation, is is worth much more than the base metal value (which we call "melt" although the term does not imply actually melting the coin down). |
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New Member
United States
7 Posts |
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New Member
United States
7 Posts |
 This pic isn't as clear, but this coin has definately been circulated. I know I could sell it for the gold, but I am trying to find out if it is at all worth more then just the proce of gold based on rarity, and how few of these were made and are out there. Anyone have ideas? |
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New Member
United States
7 Posts |
With the research I have done, these coins are over 100 years old and so its predicted that not many are left out there.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
6394 Posts |
Mintage for the 1881-S was 727,000 and this date is pretty well available, especially in circulated grades. So, it will be valued at a bullion-related price, perhaps 5-10% more than the spot price of nominal gold content of 0.9675 ounces. Based on your obverse photo the grade would be around EF-40. It likely has been cleaned which will make it less desirable since most collectors prefer pieces with original, uncleaned surfaces. It should still be easy to sell if you are willing to accept a near-bullion price.
The 1881 Philadelphia coin (no mintmark) by comparison had a mintage of just 2,199 coins including 61 proofs. That coin is worth many times the bullion value in just about any grade.
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New Member
United States
7 Posts |
Oh ok. Thank you so much for your help
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Replies: 9 / Views: 4,479 |
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Posted 11/23/2012 10:50 am
