There's quite a few coins in the coronet head gold quarter eagle series with really low mintage figures that don't command a significant premium, at least according to the "Red book" but I was wondering if they could be properly called sleepers. Here's some examples in VF-20 according to the 2013 edition of A Guide Book Of United States Coins: year mintage grade value 1) 1868 3,600 VF-20 $385 2) 1872 4,000 VF-20 $425 3) 1877 1,632 VF-20 $400 4) 1880 2,960 VF-20 $375 5) 1884 1,950 VF-20 $375 To me, such modest prices seem to not match the low mintage numbers, but maybe I'm reading too much into it. I'm curious to know your thoughts on the matter. Thanks, GobrehtReich85 :smile
It is still a matter of supply and demand. Low mintage numbers would only apply to the series of coins that are widely collected. One would think that a mintage of less than 2,000 in 1884 would be very valuable, but what is the survival number? If that number is higher than the number of people collecting the series, it wouldn't be a sleeper. I could imagine that there are several condition rarities in the series that have higher mintage numbers that carry a significant premium.
I always thought that being a 19th century gold series, it would have a significant following of collectors.
I'm sure that there a few collectors that can afford to complete the series, but with 143 coins in the series, there can't be very many. And for those who could afford such a collection, VF-20 wouldn't be considered a very desirable grade.
So basically what you're saying is, is that they appeal more to type collectors than to series collectors, and most collectors find it better to stick with just one or two AU or MS examples, which is why, despite the low mintage figures, VF coins are so modestly. Would that be an accurate assessment?
Mintage numbers don't mean jack squat. Survival numbers do however. Lots of old gold coins have been melted years ago. Only 2% of the 1795-1834 gold pieces have survived say the experts. I get my survival #s from COINFACTS, a service provided by PCGS for a small fee. Worth it for me...:thumb:
