My apologies for the sorry photo. This was relegated to my safe deposit box years ago and I blew this up from an insurance inventory photo. So it's not much to look at. Back in the 1990's I went a bit nuts and bought all the old gold coins I could get my hands on. This was one of them. I wasn't savvy enough at the time to recognize that it was cleaned. I bought the coin very cheap with a lot of double eagles. I thought at the time I had something sort of special and sent it in for grading only because I want my heirs to be able to liquidate my safe deposit box coins more easily. Before I ramble too much, I do have a question. If this were a straight graded coin, I would expect this to bring $850.00-$1000.00. But since it is cleaned is it now relegated to melt or spot value? I am trying to put together a valuation list for my family and want it to be somewhat accurate.
A very nice looking first issue Indian Princess Head. Highest mintage of the series by the way. Too bad it was cleaned but you learned and that's great. Probably worth more than your original cost so it was a good deal. I'd value it in the $600-$700 range, lots more if you can find a D mintmark on that coin. Check the reverse below the wreath.
Yep, $3 gold is pricey, regardless of how it's been mistreated. I've seen a very few listed close to melt over several years, but never been quick enough to snag one. Even if they're holed or turned into a love token, they pull a significant premium.
