Grade for this Double Eagle

OK, so today I got what is really my first large gold piece...a 1925 St. Gaudens Double Eagle. Although I didn't get it under the best of circumstances (my grandma died in April and this is what she left to me as I am the family's only coin collector and she felt I would appreciate it most).

Anyway, it is a Philadelphia minted 1925 double eagle...so overall a fairly common one. Apparently, she won it in 1971 through the Nucoa "Good as Gold" Sweepstakes. The letter I got with the coin stated that she was one of the daily winners of the contest. The letter is dated 10/29/71.

I have no experience with double eagles as this is the first in my collection. Could you guys weigh in on what you think it grades...not only so I have an idea but so I can also try and learn how to grade this particular type of coin. Hopefully, the photos are good enough. Thanks!!!

 

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Richie:
Nice coin, obviously not slabbed, but I'd venture that it is an unc, possibly MS-62 or better.

 

Richie that is stunning :thumb: Sorry that it had to come to you in this way, but it will for ever be a reminder of your Grandmother

 

Nice Coin !
I love the design of those.


I'm not good at grading these, yet.
But, if I were to guess, I would say in the MS-60/62 range.

To those that are very familiar with this coin, is that a die gouge in front of the eagle's beak on the reverse ?

 

roto:
Nah, a bag mark.

 

Rich

Thats a very nice coin and worthy of your Grandmothers memory.

Ruben

 

MS-64. Beautiful...

 

Rich - The photos are great - They at least come close to showing the beauty of a magnificent coin. I too am sorry for your loss. While she may have felt that you would appreciate it the most, I am certain she also felt that you would be reminded of her when you looked at it. That is something that all the gold in the world could not replace... I wish I had something of my Grandmothers to remind me of her - she was truly one of those people in life that loved everyone and would open her house and heart to all that came buy. I wish I had more time to spend with her as an adult before she passed. The memories of her are some of my fondest from when I was growing up.

Thank you for sharing...

Best Regards,

Darryl

 

Gold is hard to grade, but I was going to venture MS64.

 

Oh, no.
But, listen to GDJMSP, he knows where of he speaks (generally-- just kidding, or possibly not.)

 

I must admit that I don't know much about gold coins...but I have been looking at photos of these online and I can't see the differences you mention. Could you please try and point out what makes you question this coin (maybe with pictures)? I have been looking at the stars around the Y and the STATES and tail feathers and I don't see what I'm missing. I would appreciate any help.

Also, with authentication...who would be recommended for gold coins. I would prefer to go with PCGS or NGC, but which is better for this particular type of coin.

 

Never noticed it before but is one stand of the (R) in TRUST missing? Other than that it's a beauty.

Take care
Ben

 

No, its there...the pictures just don't show it well. I photographed it on a white background with a bright light above it and me hovering over it...so the shadowing is funny in some places. :whistle:

​

 

Doug, I would like to know what your seeing here as well. I don't see anything wrong with the positioning of the stars, this one looks ok to me.

Weight should be ±33.4 grams

Edge inscribed with: E PLURIBUS UNUM

I agree with the authentication getting done by all means! NGC or PCGS. Very expensive coin, if its confirmed real and grades where I think it will fall.

 

Well, I think I'll look into having it authenticated. Although they just look like bag marks to me...my lack of experience is a serious handicap in this matter. I personally would be suprised if it is a counterfit simply because it was a prize in a contest that she won (and the contest appears to be a large scale thing...not a local deal). In any case, I'll get it authenticated at some point.

I know that PCGS and NGC tend to be the top tier grading services...but also that sometimes one is better than the other when it comes to specific types of coins. When it comes to these, which is the better choice (or is there one)?

 

Well, I'm definetely NO specialist at counterfeit detection... I hope it's legit. If so, I think it's a MS63, maybe a 64. They are running $700+ and ~$800 respectively these days.

Personally, I don't have strong preferences about NGC vs PCGS. These Saints are such a bread and butter of the biz that they're pretty well-defined on grading. No way it's a 65, no worse than 63... if it's real.

See if you can find an authorized NGC or PCGS local dealer and submit though them. They can pre-screen your coin; if it's an obvious counterfeit, they'll likely catch it and save you the trouble and cost of submission.

NGC ADVANTAGE : If you are an ANA member, you get NGC submission privileges. No such deal with PCGS - ya gotta ante up to be a member, and that costs $50 and up.

 

"Upon further review..." There is something funky on Liberty's left (facing) leg... the straight one. About knee high and above, on the left, there appear to be some bubbles, or lumps. I've not seen that on other Saints.

Is that something funky about the photo, or the coin itself ?