would a $5 gold liberty head half eagle that’s been improperly cleaned just be worth its weight in gold? Thanks if responding
Not necessarily so, although buyers generally prefer that price, or less. The term is nebulous, and as virtually any classic Gold coin, there normally is some premium. The premium may be a small percentage over the intrinsic value. I personally would/have purchased many classic Gold coins stated/slabbed to that stated condition, and lost that type/condition coin in open auctions with my melt + 10% snipe bid. Coins in that condition are currently being offered/sold at my snipe bid price by a major competitive value dealer. Value is determined by the trading partners, and often by the "grader". JMHO