| Author |
 Replies: 12 / Views: 1,914 |
|
|
Valued Member
United States
126 Posts |
I have finally decided that I would like to add a single $2.5 Indian Head Quarter Eagle Gold to my collection. It's a beautifully designed coin, one I would very much like to have/admire/enjoy. I am not purchasing this small coin as an investment, no plans to re-sell. I was hoping to find a common date $2.5 that has been graded, by NGC preferably. As for the condition, I am not extra picky; anything from VF and up would be welcome. I have been put-off by the high auction prices of the $2.5's at ebay. High to me would be $210 or so and up. And they go way up! Would anyone have advice or leads for me? Any and all feedback and guidance would be welcome. Thanks! |
|
|
|
Pillar of the Community
United States
1499 Posts |
I have collected, bought and sold and a lot of U.S. gold coins. I have a complete raw set of $2.50 Indian coins. Here is my advice to you:  VF is a very low grade for a common date U.S. gold coin. The value for such a piece will not that much over melt, and I don't think that you will be pleased with its appearance. Most gold coin collectors don't want coins like this unless they are priced very low relative to melt. It might be hard to find an NGC or PCGS graded common date $2.50 Indian in VF. For most people getting a coin like that graded is not worth the cost of the grading fee. Your upper budget of $210 is too low. The current Coin Dealer Newsletter figure is $220 in VF-20. If you could see your way to increase your budget to $300 or so, you could get a very nice AU graded coin that would look nice to you. If you are only to have one coin, why not make it a decent example? Maybe you won't be looking to replace it in a couple of years when your aims are higher, and your budget might be larger. |
|
Valued Member
 United States
126 Posts |
billions, thanks very much for your thoughts. I appreciate the guidance. All of your points make perfect sense. I could more than likely stretch my budget up to the high $200s, perhaps to $300 for an NGC graded coin. Do you know of a trusted dealer or collector who may have a $2.5 coin available? One that would...and I really liked how you put it: Quote:
If you are only to have one coin, why not make it a decent example? Thanks, again. |
|
Rest in Peace
United States
4078 Posts |
OldWest, not sure if you can Buy/Sell here at CCF yet.
|
|
Valued Member
United States
126 Posts |
Quote:
OldWest, not sure if you can Buy/Sell here at CCF yet. I have been counting down the days until I can post at Post Your Numismatic Want Lists Here. Fortunately, I'm just a few days shy! Thanks. |
|
Rest in Peace
United States
17900 Posts |
A $2,50 doesn't qualify for gold rush statis when submitting to NGC. So depending on what else was submitted, with a minimum of five in the category, whoever submitted it probably paid between $25 - $30 with postage and insurance.
That doesn't make any difference when you are buying, but it does help explain why a NGC example will be a good deal over melt.
You will also notice that price differences between EF-40 and AU-50 are almost non-existent. Might as well spend that couple of bucks more.
|
|
Bedrock of the Community
United States
12057 Posts |
If you're only going to buy one of something, and you really love the coin, why not save up for a few months more and make the jump to an MS62 or MS63 example?
Member ANA - EAC - TNA - SSDC - CCT #890 "Most of the things worth doing in the world had been declared impossible before they were done." -- Louis D. Brandeis |
|
Valued Member
United States
126 Posts |
Thanks for everybody's thoughts! In regards to price, would ebay be the best way for me to determine acceptable and current prices? Or maybe a local coin shop? I did visit one shop in my area, and the only gold coins available were loose and in clear 2" pockets. Nothing graded and certified. Edited by OldWest
04/16/2016 02:07 am
|
|
Valued Member
United States
152 Posts |
I mainly collect these. I literally buy and sell them every day. It will be VERY difficult to buy a decent one for $210 or less. You can get a nice raw for $250. You can SOMETIMES get a MS60 or 61 for right at $300 if you watch the auctions carefully. AU graded can be $250-$270 or so.
|
|
Valued Member
United States
126 Posts |
Hello jwitten,
Thanks much for adding some great information to this thread! Very helpful.
|
|
Bedrock of the Community
United States
12057 Posts |
OldWest, google NumisMedia FMV and use the free online price guide. It will get you pretty close to retail values for most coins. (That's what you can expect to pay, not what a dealer will buy from you at.)
Member ANA - EAC - TNA - SSDC - CCT #890 "Most of the things worth doing in the world had been declared impossible before they were done." -- Louis D. Brandeis |
|
Valued Member
United States
126 Posts |
Quote:
OldWest, google NumisMedia FMV and use the free online price guide. It will get you pretty close to retail values for most coins. (That's what you can expect to pay, not what a dealer will buy from you at.)
Thanks for the lead - the NumisMedia FMV is a great tool. Very helpful. Edited by OldWest
04/20/2016 7:26 pm
|
|
Pillar of the Community
 United States
4589 Posts |
Several of the bullion dealers sell 'random date' certified coins by grade. Usually MS, since their target market is bullion buyers not numismatists. For example ( APMEX is well know, reasonably honest, reasonably cheap - you won't get a key date sleeper, but you will get an NGC certified coin): http://www.apmex.com/category/11971...andom&page=1They don't list AU, but they might have them or get them from time to time. I'm not recommending APMEX, haven't bought from them personally, and there are several other sellers in this space. You can also haunt ebay. Know what it's worth and what you want to pay and try to snipe at the last second. You might get lucky. BUT: Do not get caught up in auction fever. If it's worth 290.01 to you, that's the bid. Don't fall for the ebay "you've been out bid, don't you want to bid 300$". -----Burton 50+ year / Life / Emeritus ANA member (joined 12/1/1973) Life member: Numismatics International, CONECA Member: TNA, FtWCC, NETCC, EveryCountry (online) coin club Owned by three cats and a wife of 40+ years (joined 1983) Author: 3rd Edition of the Sample Slabs book, https://www.sampleslabs.info/ |
| |
Replies: 12 / Views: 1,914 |
|
Posted 04/15/2016 4:00 pm
