Like most collectors, I gravitate towards higher graded coins than I once did. And with premiums pretty low right now on nice graded coins, I finally decided it was time to unload the 1902-s double-eagle that I have owned since 1985. Was originally purchased raw as an XF45 and was recently slabbed as AU55. When I got the coin back from NGC, I noticed a small rim ding at 6:00 on the obverse that I am almost certain wasn't there when I sent it in. I am left wondering if they didn't drop the coin then grade it 10 points higher to make up for the damage. In any case, with nice MS63 Saints selling for such a modest premium over melt, I decided to trade the Liberty for a Saint. Or, more to the point, an AU55 for an MS63. Had to come up with $250 to make the deal happen, which is about what the deal would have cost doing the same trade back when gold was under $400 an ounce, so I'm thinking I made out pretty well. Or more importantly, I bought a little downward protection if gold prices continue to drop as the MS63 has to hold its value a little better than an AU55 coin would.
I think you did fine, though I prefer the '02-S. The tiny rim ding is barely perceptible and I think the Saint has more rim issues. I always shoot coins before I submit them, just in case there's some kind of damage from grader handling. Lance.
While I feel that the St Gaudens double eagle is the most beautiful designs ever to grace our US coinage, the Longacre design (in my estimation) is a close second. I always enjoy the reverse of that coin. Thanks for a peek at some wonderful pieces Princeofwaldo.
