Modern 1 oz AGE Proof or slabbed St Gaudens ?

Tough decision, spend $1850-1900 on a modern date proof AGE or bend an extra hundred or so on a MS62-63 common date St Gaudens.. Thoughts? Pros Cons?

 

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Personally, I would go with the St. Gaudens...but that's just me. I look at AGEs as bullion first and collector second, even the proofs. I know they have some extra value over bullion...but they were intended to be a bullion coin originally. I really like the history behind circulating coinage and I would go with the common date St. Gaudens. But, it is simply a personal choice. Which do you like more?

 

Depends on what you're doin' with that piece Jsq'. Are you investing in precious metals or are you just collecting some gold? Now, I do know that many people love to collect AGE's and they do it for collector (and not bullion) sake but for the so called collector in me I'd go for the St. Gaudens. Hope you do too.....

BTW, the double eagle is (slightly) larger in diameter. Bigger is better.......

 

I would say I'm shooting for 50/50ish investment/collectability. If I do go for the St Gaudens, which is a good grade to have? I've heard MS62 as a minimum, some say 60.. I dont want to pay a huge premium for say a 64-65 but definitely want a nice example. Also which grading company is the best for these?

 

OK. 50/50ish? MHO, go with an nice AU example (from either grading service). Sometimes you can get an au-55/58 that looks a lot nicer (eye appeal) than an 60-63. Patience employed may net you a coup.

 

Well...both will always be worth the gold content...so part of the investment side is the same. So, there are 2 things I would factor in. Both have premiums...does either premium over spot make you want to not buy it (this is the difference when it comes to investment)? Also, the obverse design is very similar but the reverse is very different. Do you like either design better?

 

I love both designs. I think the allure of a modern proof is that condition and authenticity are never going to be a question. Plus proofs are the best looking coins IMO.. and have a slight bit more gold content. On the other hand, from a nostalgic standpoint, modern proofs are ho-hum compared to a 80-100 year old coin. There's just something about the "wow factor" for lack of a better word holding and owning a gold coin with the history that it has behind it.

 

I completely agree with you. But, what is more important to you? The "best looking coin" or the "wow factor?" For me, it's the wow factor. But that is a personal opinion that each collector must decide for themselves. My personal opinion may be very different from yours and neither is "right or wrong."

As for the authenticity and condition of the older coin...I would suggest buying a slabbed example and then there would be no question.

 

Hands-down the St. Gaudens.

 

I would say the wow factor too. I think you persuaded me lol now, where's the best place to find one? eBay has a good selection but I'm a little wary of buying gold from there. Had no problems with silver however.

 

Provided the St. Gaudens is properly graded, I don't think you can really go wrong with either one. Buy whichever one you like more, and if you are concerned with your ability to grade MS 62/63 gold (which is not easy), stick to the AGE (or buy a St. Gaudens with a CAC sticker).

 

The MS version of the 1oz. Gold Eagle is back on the mint site. Sorry but if the main thing is to get some gold that is the way I would go. I like Saints but not in the grades your going get close to spot price most are just too bagged out for me.

 

If you do decide on a Saint, don't buy one sight unseen. Many of these are overgraded. I've seen many hacked up ms64, and many appealing ms63. Later dates like the 1924, 1927,1928 usually come nice.

 

Buy the Saint, wait until the premium over melt rises, then sell it and buy bullion. Wait until the premium over melt drops again, then buy another Saint. Rinse, repeat.

 

Boy I should of taken my own advice the Mint raised the price $50.00 last night.

 

ST GAUDENS bc not only is it gold and HISTORY, if gold were to hit 1 dollar an ounce, the saint gaudens would still be worth a lot more than 1 dollar where as a AGE will be worth what ever spot is with a small ​premium

 

As far as the saints, am I shooting too high with looking for 62-64s or should I stick with the smallest premiums with a 58-60 or even 61 ?

 

Nah, it's monitized at fifty bucks so it would be worth at least that. Thing is, I don't see gold ever dropping to "a buck an ounce". Only (maybe) if an can ever perfect this danged invention of mine that turns lead into gold.........

 

See JSQ', that's what I was alluding at earlier in this thread. You really can get some sweet AU's that look good in terms of eye appeal, and won't break your back "jing" wise. Buy the best looking piece you can afford, and it don't always have to be a mint state piece. Some Au's have more eye appeal than mint state's.

 

Stewart, Don't you think that by the time the spread increases the price of gold will have retreated? In other words, it has been my observation that spread and gold spot are inversely related. Do you disagree? Just curious....Mike