Hello everyone, I’ve been trying to find a Spanish Dollar (Piece of Eight) in AU/MS condition at a reasonable price. I don’t care what the date is as long as it’s a genuine one without any serious issues (like a giant hole or cleaning). Has anyone seen any recently? Or does anyone know what they usually sell for in AU/MS (61-63) condition? Thanks! P.S. Here is a photo of what they look like in case anyone is wondering.
Well you gotta be careful with graded coins too due to all the fake PCGS & NGC holders being counterfeited in China. I would just recommend buying from a reliable dealer rather than looking at what marketplace or store is selling it.
Well no not really because my question was asking if anyone has seen a fair priced one for sale anywhere. It wasn’t about whether EBay was trustworthy or not.
I feel like this little fellow about Spanish dollars. Spain 5 Pesetas "Duro" 1888 - Alfonso XIII Silver, 38 mm, 24.73 gm
You should be able to find a Pillar Dollar in EF to AU. Strict Mint State pieces are hard to find, however. These coins are not rare in general.
Eh I’ve been trying but they’re all at ridiculous prices (like $50,000 on Etsy for an AU 50) and I just can’t rob myself like that. That’s why I hate sites like Etsy. I’ve also desperately been looking for a Spanish 8 Escudo and a pre-1800 Gold Guinea in AU 50 to AU 58 condition.
So far as the guinea goes, if you have to have an AU, that might cost more than $2,000. This 1776 dated example in a bit below that but the date is special. It is a common date in the series. This "spade guinea" is graded AU-55. I paid a bit less than $2,000 for it, which was too much at the time. If you can live VF's they are out there for the older pieces. Here is a 1686 piece from James II's shore reign. But beware of the counterfeits. This Pillar Dollar is no good.
My budget is about $2,300-$2,500. I understand they’re very expensive because they are a pretty big chunk of gold + numismatic value. I always test my coins in the following ways: 1). Weight 2). Calipers to determine diameter and thickness. 3). XRF machine to determine if the precious metals purity is correct (for example a Gold $20 Double Eagle that doesn’t register as 91.67% gold is fake). 4). A simple magnet I find that these 4 tests are able to identify most (like 95%) but not all fakes.
A guinea is NOT a big chunk of gold, would only be about a quarter of an ounce. 8.35 grams .246 oz of gold
