And now I want a Saint Gaudens $20...well I have always wanted one but knew they were too rich for my poor wallet. Well now...I am some funds saved up and I am in a quandrey...do I go with a Gaudens or continue with my copper addiction? Seriously, I could pick up a nice Liberty Cap or a Bust or a few nice coppers but could only afford a single 'lesser' grade Gaudens. I am not normally a gold collector...just have this love affair with this coin. That eagle is just the most gorgeous thing I have ever seen...just begs me to take it home...the local store has a few and I could get one online but I hate buying expensive coins that way. I would rather hold and see what I will be spending my hard earned cash on. What would you guys do??? I am sitting with my hands in my pockets...not sure what way to go.
Buy the gold coin while you can afford it. I wouldn't buy online unless it was slabbed and from a reputable dealer with good photos of the coin. harlanjberk.com comes to mind.
It's probably a good time to buy gold. I don't see how the price can go much lower and if you grab one now it will surely appreciate. At least that's what I told myself when I was buying gold at $800/ounce.
I bought my first Saint-Gaudens $20 in 1980 when I had my first job after college. Paid $800 for an AU 1908 no motto. Later PCGS graded it MS63! I still have it. I no longer have the $995 VCR I bought at the same time.
Buying a coin now and again that doesn't fit with your main collection adds spice to your overall collection. Sometimes you get the itch for something different. And you'll often go back to it just to look and admire. Like they said above, get the best you can afford, and especially in the case of a St G, get one that's slabbed. LOTS of fakes. One of my itches was wanting a coin from each of the two mints in the southeast, Dahlonega and Charlotte. So I saved my pennies (oops, cents), and bought one of each. They are the least expensive face/date just like you'd do for a type set. I sneak a peek at them every once in a while.
Yep, they are nice looking coins. I've got two for my type set, one each of the common varieties. 1908 No Motto and 1924 with Motto.
As you collect coins over the years, the idea is to upgrade. I'm always upgrading my collection. I now look back at the coins I had when I thought I collected coins and I wanna sell 'em (or spend 'em) all. What I now have is a coin collection that makes all my kids drool. But you won't get there by picking coins out of your change after lunch. Of course my kids drool over a well cooked meal too. My kids seem to drool a lot! :mouth:
I agree I agree. If you want it, and can afford it, then buy it. Otherwise, a long time from now you will be looking back & regretting what you didn't do. Very best regards, collect89
I bought a Saint for my type set last year and haven't regretted it a bit. Nothing like holding one of those babies and watching the luster swirl around that superb design. So, get one if possible!
You people are talking me into getting at least one for my collection of coins. It is surely one of the most geogeous gold coins. And I promised my wife I was going to cut down my addiction. Gotta get one. What are the best years, old gold ones? Darn that's a lot of cents, lol. Thanks for aiding my need, my need, my need. zg
Hehehe...you think the Gaudens are expensive? Try finding a perfect Liberty Cap Large Cent...impossible unless you got the cash http://www.pcgs.com/prices/PriceGuideDetail.aspx?c=38&title=Flowing+Hair+Large+Cent See those prices??? I only wish I could spend for one of those...so a lesser Gaudens isn't too bad
Wow I wish I could get one of those goldies .but i can't afford it so I had to settle for this one instead OH WELL . Jazzcoins Joe:whistle:
Yep ! I don't see how you can go wrong with a good Saint. There's nothing like 'em. As with all things... educate yourself on this particular series before laying down the big $$$. Hit coin shows and look at hundreds of 'em. Then try "blind" grading of slabbed ones and see how you do. You should be truly adept at knowing the difference between 63s, 64s, and 65s. And, as always, not all 64s are created equal ! After all that, you should be able to pick a coin high end for the grade / $$$.
Ya know, I was kind of rolling around thinking about this, and it occurred to me a true difference in this election... Common date, moderate grade Saints are basically commodity coins. There are literally hundreds of thousands... and that's just the ones certified MS64 and up. Those old coppers, on the other hand... to me each specimen has it's own unique personality. That's more true the older they are. No two alike.
My advice is against the grain for most of the posters thus far. I would pass on the generic Saint and continue to save a little more for the copper that grabs my heart. The opportunity to own a Saint will always be there, but a better condition old copper will bring greater rewards - to your heart and long term to your wallet. I have a generic MS61 1909-D Indian gold coin. I love the design, but it isn't as compelling to me like my 1803 XF40 Draped Bust large cent. Old copper has character one will never find in generic gold.
Buy the saint...no brainer. I got my first about 20 years ago and it has turned into an addiction. I have a 1908 no motto that I use for a pocket piece.