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 Replies: 7 / Views: 1,423 |
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New Member
United Kingdom
4 Posts |
Firstly as this is my first post on the forum a hello to all. I have recently inherited my fathers coin collection and came across this-   I understand after some research that it is a Type1 Gold liberty dollar and that the letter 's' on the bottom of one side is the mark of San Fransisco. I was wandering If anyone could advise me on how to further my process of Validating the coin and finding an official grade to eventually value the coin as my research and lack of local (North Wales UK) dealers/experts are a bit weak. A Big Thanks in advance. |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
759 Posts |
Welcome!
My gold grading skills leave a lot to be desired, but I see what appears to be wear on Liberty's hair, so I'm going to say XF range, possibly with a cleaning/light polishing.
You do have a low mintage coin though, 14,632. Numismedia lists that at $565 in XF. If I'm wrong on the grade, it could be worth 2-3x that amount. Others will provide their opinions on grade.
This might sound crazy, but inspect the edges to make sure it hasn't been sawed in half. Because of the thickness, there are cases where people sawed the Type 1's in half, scooped out a bit of gold and put them back together.
You have a nice coin there. I'd absolutely love to have it.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
759 Posts |
I forgot to add, there's not a single 1854-S Type 1 on ebay, and I don't recall ever seeing one listed. Like I said, you have a nice coin there. |
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New Member
 United Kingdom
4 Posts |
Thanks OneBowl, Having it graded would make a vast difference in knowing the value, I wouldnt have a clue where to start. Its very hard to take a decent picture for condition, Here's a couple more I've taken from more distance and different light conditions due to having a pretty poor Camera-   Would anyone know of a UK company that will certificate a coins grade or codition? |
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Pillar of the Community
 United States
2448 Posts |
 to the community. Thanks for sharing the coin. I'd have to agree with one bowl's assessment of EF. Although, at first I thought the coin was not well struck. Your second set of pictures reveal more of what looks to be wear. As I am no expert, it could just be a late die state strike that caused the blurred appearance of her hair above the neck. However, it is one of the highest areas on the coins and subject to wear first. Curiously, the only position showing wear on the reverse in at the 5 o'clock position along the rim. In other words, the wear patterns don't support each other. Some coins grade higher than others and I believe you should consult an expert, in person, to really determine the grade. I'm certain the this particular coin looks better in hand than your pictures reveal. I know that PCGS has offices in many countries. Check out their web site for more information. Thanks again for posting you coin. |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
6389 Posts |
Welcome Shrimpy!
I agree with the other posters, this is a scarce coin and is worth quite a bit more than the common Philadelphia dates in the Type 1 gold dollar series. I think your coin would make an AU grade which would give it a value boost compared to EF. The price really takes off in Mint State but this coin does appear to have some wear which would limit it to the AU range at best.
I would recommend you have it graded by PCGS; as Carmykle suggests you can investigate your local options for having it sent it. For this coin authentication is at least as important as the numerical condition grade since many USA gold coins have been counterfeited.
Congratulations on your inheritance. What else is in that collection? Based on this one coin it appears your Dad was interested in some fairly exotic and valuable pieces!
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Pillar of the Community
United States
759 Posts |
AU Numismedia prices (which I think can be high sometimes):
50 $970
53 $1090
55 $1530
58 $1690
I hope it does make AU for you.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
8904 Posts |
That is a great coin!! I have never seen one! Rare!   with the EF assessment. (Even, circulated wear). Nicely struck and without rim dings! That's tough to do with circulated gold! and I also agree  of the rest of your nice inheritance!! |
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Replies: 7 / Views: 1,423 |
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Posted 04/25/2011 08:01 am
