I think I found a rare gem in my inherited coin collection (1855 3 Dollar Gold Coin)

I inherited about a backpack full of world coins from my Grandpa when he passed. There are so many coins I only get it out of the safe about every other year or so. I had been expanding on some knowledge on world currency and decided to break them out. There are about 50 zip-lock bags full of currency from around the world. A lot of Chinese stuff from like 1910-1920, Francs from the 1800's, I found a georgivis 1691, and a few coins from the 1700's. Anyhow the average coin I found to be worth about 5-20 bucks. Nothing special, but one of the few coins that was actually in a protective case was this 3 dollar gold coin. I mostly collect Bust halfs and Barber Halfs, and didn't even know they made a 3 dollar gold coin. So I did some research, and it looks like the coin could have some value. I will note it is an 1855 and not an 1855-S, but I see the mintage number is only like 55k. Besides two minor knicks on the rim, the coin looks like it is in impecable shape. I'm just throwing a ballpark of around AU-55 or around there. I will say I am a total newbie at this and couldn't find my digital camera. I took these on my phone, and my hand shakes. Once again sorry for the picture quality. I plan on getting this PCGS slabbed, and updating pictures i the future, but it would be great if somone could give their opinion on this coin.

Thank You Kindly,

Jason

 

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Oh wow. That is great. Can't wait to hear what PCGS says!

 

look very nice! There's always the concern with it being genuine, though. Genuine specimens weigh in at 5.015 grams. I can't tell you anything from the pictures as to condition, but still, congratulations!

 

Thanks, I guess I need to get a digital Scale. Also, I have never sent anything in to PCGS to get slabbed, and the next coin show isn't for a couple months. How would I go about doing this?

 

Unless you plan to grade other coins, best to go to a dealer who belongs to the PCGS already. Have him send it in for a small fee. Otherwise you will need to pay to join them for eligibility. Does the dealer you went to for pricing on the PCGS VF35 coin already belong? Also, use the same camera for pictures you used for the piece you posted on 10/21/2011. Those showed great detail. Did you finally sell that one? We saw it on eBay after your post.

 

Thanks for the advice, I actually do own the 1806 Draped Bust I described. The problem as you can see above, I'm a newbie when it comes to getting pictures. Mine is also PCGS35 graded, so I googled it in and that's the first thing that came up. Yes I used the pictures from that coin, but I'm just a rookie man.

Thanks

 

No problem. As a rookie you are hitting home runs. This should be valued very close to the 1806 50C piece, if it is an AU55. If it goes to just MS60 you can add another $1000+ to it. Good luck!

 

Super find! I just recently bought somebody's grocery bag of world coins, wasn't lucky enough to get that kind of find. I did, however, find enough silver to cover the price I paid. I hope for you that that coin is legitimate because if it is, it would be worth a very pretty penny! As described above, find a dealer who is a PCGS member, and have them send it for a small fee.

 

For PCGS you must be a member of the Collectors Society or submit through an authorized dealer. For NGC you must be a member of the ANA.
Here are some helpful links:

PCGS:
http://www.pcgs.com/services/
NGC:
How to submit: http://www.ngccoin.com/services/submitting.asp
services and fees: http://www.ngccoin.com/services/services.asp

I don't know about PCGS, but NGC requires a 5 coin minimum for Specialty gold like yours.

Hope this helps.
-greg

 

Nice find. I hear of a lot of people finding US three cent coins in world coins all the time but this is the first three dollar gold. Enjoy it. If you want to send it in just find a dealer and piggy back one of their submissions. They can also give you their opinion on the coin which might sway you to sending it in or not.

 

Wow, congrats! Nice find,I hope it is genuine and recieves a high grade.It is awesome to see another newbie find something like this.Warning,you are propably hooked for life now.Looking forward to better pics when you can.