Hi, Just joined the forum, made a brief intro. and have a couple quick questions. A friend at work stopped me and said he has a 1894 liberty 10 dollar gold coin. The problem is that it is in a pendent. I haven't seen the coin yet (he's bring it to work tonite) but I suppose it would be worth more if it were not in a pendent? Has anyone ever removed a coin from a pendent? I think I'll take it to my jewler and ask his opinion about removing it. I'll try to post a picture when I get the coin. I'd sure appreciate any info about coins in pendents or your experiences surrounding removing it. Thanks!
Welcome to the forum. Unless it's a very rare coin (1894 Eagles are not), once used in jewelry, a coin is pretty much worth melt because the jewelry bezel causes damage and it's probably been polished. If it is a very rare coin, once used in jewelry, it's worth far less, maybe even as low as melt. I'd pass on the coin, unless you can buy it for less than melt, as one can be bought at close to melt that is not damaged.
As far as my Knowledge and experiences and mathematical method. If you removed the coin in a pendant the value will be less than you expected just only for the weight of the Gold. Plus it also, you might also discover something in the rim or edge of a coin that might something hiding on that pendant. It is better to let the coin stay in a pendant. Just my HONEST OPINION. I do have One Too.! here's the Photograph of my favorite GOLD COIN.
I agree with the others that coins placed inside bezels are considered damaged coins. It is a common date (unless it's an S mint coin) and would only be worth melt in that condition.
I finally got a couple pics of the coin. (Hope I can get them to attach ok.) My friend took the coin out of the pendent (bezel). He has asked me to sell it for him. I'd buy it, but I don't have even the melt value to spend. To me, it looks real nice, but I'm no professional. Since it was in a bezel is it even worth having it graded? How much do you guys think I should ask for it? Melt price?
Your images do not make the coin look too bad however, I would advise caution if you are thinking of purchasing this piece. The reason is that it is likely damaged from being ex-jewelry and may have been polished in the past, too. Therefore, at the price you will have to pay to fairly acquire the coin, you will be paying darn near what it would cost to obtain an undamaged coin. Go with the undamaged option as it will be easier to sell in the future, if you need to sell.
