I've been an avid collector for years, but never dealt with gold coins before. I recently inherited around a dozen gold pieces, including the double eagle pictured below. I plan on having it graded and slabbed by PCGS, but first I want to know- what do you all think?
OK, I'll go first. With a mintage of only 1,390 the 1891 Double Eagle is a rare coin. Your coin is circulated and, based on your photos, I would estimate your coin to be somewhere around XF-40 to AU-50 (probably XF-45 if I had to pick a grade). If genuine it would be worth a considerable amount. The latest Grey Sheet lists your coin at $7,500 in VF-20, $12,500 in XF-40 and $16,500 in AU-50. I think you have a very valuable coin there and I would hate to see anything happen to it. DO NOT CLEAN YOUR COIN!!! DO NOT RUB YOUR COIN!!! Any damage to your coin could cost you thousands of dollars. Place your coin in a good protective holder and send it to PCGS for authentication and grading.
No worries there. I have enough wherewithal to know how to handle it. Interesting to know your grade estimate- I had estimated somewhere in the 45-50 range myself. I have attached another picture of the obverse- it is a little more washed out, but it is more slightly more revealing as to level of wear, dings, etc.
I would be comfortable at 45. 50 would be pushing it for me. But I would certainly want PCGS's opinion due to the price jump from grade to grade.
I completely agree, and I plan to have it professionally appraised and graded as soon as I can. I'm excited to have such a prize in my possession- it'll be the new jewel of my collection for sure!
The reverse will be what holds the grade down, the horizontal shield lines are worn flat. That alone would make me say VF35. But I expect a TPG would say 40.
