These are three coins I have had for several years, I have never sent any coins to be graded, but hope you can help me out.
I'd strongly consider getting them graded and slabbed by one of the big services. It'll be easier to store them without risk of damage; it will make it easier to insure them; and will make it easier to sell them (should you ever decide to do so).
I'd definitely be tempted to get them slabbed, but I'd be inclined to take advantage of the ongoing CoinTalk special to have ICG do it for $10 each. That will authenticate them, and save you probably $100 or more compared to the cost of NGC grading. That last double eagle looks pretty well preserved, but... I'm worried about the raised bump above the date, and the weak detail in the eagle's left wing (viewer's right) near the shield. I'm not sure it's genuine. I'd carefully check its weight and thickness before spending money submitting it.
It is interesting that you added Fake on your poll.. Did you ever think they were? Also.. Did you mean NGC? You put NCG
From the looks of them, they'll all grade. I'd get them graded. Just decide which TPG you want behind the grades, and go for it.
Sure, if they straight grade to something higher than 63 or 64. Below that, isn't a common date's value just a small premium above melt, assuming they're genuine?
The Saint has a spread for anything MS, the others have some spread at 62 and starts to a significant at 63 with big ones starting in higher grades. Of course there's also the CAC spreads where if you don't use PCGS or NGC you take those options off the table and how auction houses would view/deal with the different company slabs if you wanted to sell that way.
I answer that by understanding there are two distinct markets, one for the bullion value and one for the numismatic value, and that they fluctuate independently of one another. Thus, when the bullion market out-performs the numismatic market, that's when you see the grades selling at near spot. Why do I think she should have them graded? The grade will authenticate them, for one, providing better liquidity and a larger market for them. Two, if they CAC, there are dollars in that fourth-party endorsement, however one wants to slice it. Three, they'll keep them safe from handling. Four, her heirs just have to figure out how to read a price guide to cash off on these expensive coins. There's probably more. The thing is, given just what I covered, I think the costs dwarf the benefits.
Before you go any further, make sure that the staples are squeezed flat so they don't damage any near by coins. Getting a "Details" grade stinks, especially when it could have been prevented.
Those are some lovely examples and you should be proud to own them. I buy a fair amount of pre-33 gold and will offer this. Having them slabbed will certainly protect and authenticate the coins. It won’t necessarily add any value. You will spend $30.00-$50.00 each having them authenticated but will likely not realize that investment back in a tangible way. So ultimately it is up to you. If you plan to hold them for a future generation, sure get them authenticated. If you want to sell them in the foreseeable future, I wouldn’t do it.
The two big coins I would have been graded by NGC or PCGS. The Saint Looks like MS63/64 and so does the Liberty, either. The 5 Dollar Lib isn‘t worth it to put extra Money for grading, because it‘s very generic. But hey, do what you like.
IF you decide to grade them it should be PCGS or NGC if you want to get a better price for them. I have a coin that is MS68 (Lincoln cent) in an ICG folder and when I wanted to put it up for auction, BOTH houses advised against the ICG holder UNLESS you were willing to post it without a reserve. Also PCGS would not reholder it at the same grade, and neither would NGC. Just passing on what I have experienced. Pay the $$ and have it done to protect your investment. Stay Safe.
Isn't anyone else concerned about that bump above the date on the 1898-S double eagle? I'm still nervous about the wing detail on the reverse, too. I'm not a collector of the series, but both of these aspects remind me of modern silver fakes I've seen. @johnmilton @Insider @Jack D. Young ?
If you do choose to have them authenticated, I might suggest you partner up with a coin dealer in your area. He can piggyback them in with his submissions and save you some money.
Having them graded? I would think yes for authentication and protection. That said, and I'm no expert, the wear on the upper portion of the shield and ribbon ends on the reverse, isn't shown on the eagles head and that gives me pause as to it's authenticity.
I wouldn't do that. You're just giving your coins to a stranger and taking a risk doing so. He could close his doors the next day and your coins are gone. Just because someone has a shop or a table at a show doesn't mean they're honest or trustworthy. It's better to do it yourself