Need some advice from experts here on what quarter eagle to purchase. I am a complete newb when it comes to coin collecting. I only collect coins I find metal detecting to this point. My ultimate goal has always been to find a gold coin while detecting but as many know this is a rare once in a lifetime(maybe) find. My alternate plan has been to save all clad coins found detecting and cash them in to buy a gold coin. So as of right now I have just over $400 in clad to cash in. So my question to all of you is...what is a good price for a certified liberty head quarter eagle? What things do I need to look for or stay away from? I want something certified in a holder but that is all I know so far. What grade or details etc should I look for or stay away from? Any input or advice you all may have would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.
Certified is nice, but graded is not really necessary. If you buy from one of the major dealers in the USA, the chances of getting a fake is minimal. Look at Provident, MCM or some of the others.
Here's one certified and graded at MCM for $400...cheaper if you use e-check. https://www.moderncoinmart.com/1903...uarter-eagles-coronet-pcgs-ms62-sku54975.html
If I might suggest, if the coin itself doesn't matter and you just want a Liberty head gold coin, could I suggest the half eagle instead. Price is just about the same, but you get twice as much gold that way plus a larger more impressive coin.
Please excuse my dumb question but how is a half eagle with twice as much gold the same price as a quarter eagle??
The quarter eagles carry a higher premium than the half eagles. Plus, the price is "about" the same, not the same. To illustrate, check Numismedia FMV. http://numismedia.com/fmv/prices/2hfgld/pricesgd.shtml 1900 MS 60 is $354 http://numismedia.com/fmv/prices/5gld/pricesgd.shtml 1900 MS 60 is $395 I don't know why this is the case, I just see that it IS the case.
You may want to visit a coin show if there is one in your area. Most are listed on the Numismaster site. Depending on the size, you should have no problem finding some. You'll also have the opportunity to look at a number of diff coins, in hand and choose the one that you like that best meets your budget. Nothing wrong with using some of the other online recommendations. I just like to see the coin in hand before purchasing whenever possible. A good local coin shop may also work. The biggest worry is getting a fake, so buying from a reputable shop, dealer at a show, or online seller is key
Circulated or Mint State, doesn't matter. Correct I said ABOUT the same. Gold is expensive so more collectors chase the quarter eagle that has less gold in it, but that extra demand causes it to sell for a higher premium over the melt value. The lower demand and lower premium for the half eagles results in them selling for just a small amount more than the quarter eagles. It seems strange but it is true. Here is a MS 1881 half eagle being sold by the same company that Kentucky listed for $50 more than the quarter eagle, but it has $160 more gold in it. It is certified, Mint State and the same grade as the quarter eagle, and almost 20 years older. A 19th century coin instead of a 20th century one. https://www.moderncoinmart.com/1881-liberty-head-5-gold-half-eagles-pcgs-ms62-sku54980.html
I have never dealt with this company, so I don't think my opinion is valid, but the CT members that have posted about this company have outstanding credentials and credibility IMO.
