Looking for opinions on US gold

I've been saving up lately to purchase a gold coin for my collection. There are 3 options that I am looking at, all around the same price range. Here they are:

- $20 gold St. Gaudens common date MS62-63(PCGS or NGC certified)
- PF69 1 ounce Buffalo(any year).
- $3 Indian Princess gold common/slightly better date XF-AU.(PCGS or NGC certified).

Which one would you enjoy more in your collection? I realize its impossible to predict the market, but in your opinion, which do you think is the better investment?

 

Log in or Sign up to hide this ad.

st. gaudens for sure.

 

I'd say go with the Gaudens. There's nothing like the feeling of your first true big gold coin.

 

St. Gaudens.

 

$3 Indian Princess. Less than 550,000 were minted during the entire run of the series. 1854 to 1889 and the high mintages are 1854 with 138,618 and 1878 with 82,308 and 8 other dates over 14,000 then the rest 7,000 or less. My avatar is the 1870 I purchased in VF.

 

There's a fair amount of spread in the prices of these coins.

You should be able to get a very strong MS64 Saint for the price of a good AU $3. The Buffalo $50 is the least expensive of the three.

All three are gorgeous coins IMO.

 

I don't think any of these is gonna be a skyrocket investment. The buffalo will track spot. The other two are readily available, so they tend to track the general coin market.

I would approach this from a personal pleasure viewpoint. Which gives you the most satisfaction ? What fits your taste and collection ? They're all nice coins.

 

Thanks for the responses.

Would you really put the St. Gaudens in the same league as the $3 princess as far as being "readily available" is concerned? As bq pointed out, the mintage levels for the entire series are ridiculously low. Also, finding one that is problem free is even more difficult as many were cleaned and used in jewelry. One of the big selling points to me for the princess is the rarity. But i agree that probably none of them will skyrocket in value, unless our dollar collapses and gold goes through the roof..:bigeyes:

I really like the idea of the st. gaudens though, as I get both a beautiful coin, numismatic value, and bullion value all wrapped into one package. I also have an empty spot in my dansco for it.

ahhh, decisions.

 

by the way BQ, nice coin! I'm jealous!

 

Yes, I would. "Readily available" means I can get one any time I want, which is true of all the coins you mentioned - including the $3 Princess. It goes beyond mintage / rarity.

In grades AU and below, $3s are everywhere. There aren't billions of 'em, but they can always be had.

 

In a way, you really can't go wrong with any of them if you enjoy these 3 type coins (who doesn't ?).

These days, my mantra is "A great coin is a great coin". I put less emphasis on type / date and just look for really great coins of all types. I'll wait years if necessary. No worries !

Just relax, hit the shows, and just shop until you find The Right One (either the $3 or the $20) and grab it.

If you go for the $3, hold out for one with luster. That "seperates the men from the boys" on these high end circulated coins. Obviously, gouges, bangs, and scratches are out.

 

Go for the princess, as it will hold some numismatic value besides bullion value. gaudens second and buffalo 3rd. The proof buffalo 1 oz are really nice looking though; I have a 2007. If you end up going for a buffalo, don't worry about a slabbed one, especially a 69. Unless you can get it cheaper than one in the uS mint packaging.

 

Are you expecting this to be your only gold coin? Then go with the St. Gaudens, its much more representative of American gold coinage than the $3 gold. If not, then hold out for a nice $3, you can always get the double eagle later.

(thanks for putting up with my differing views. )

 

Johnny thats one heck of a problem you got..............:high5:

 

I am a little disappointed you didn't consider the $10 Indian. The others are nice, but I think the $10 is more special. I rue the day that they decided to use the obverse on some modern bullion coin. But using the 3, in order, Princess, St. Gauden, and I guess the buffalo.......but it is just a copy of the real coin. Guess I am an Old F**t.

No emoticon for that is there

Jim

 

Jim my man, I also love that $10 Indian.
I bought one for $325 a few years back and had it graded by PCGS last year, got a AU58. I think its in my photo album. Truly a golden classic !!

 

Jim, you and Chief hit the nail on the head:bow: the $10 Indian is still my dream coin, and if I can get lucky, I will get one this year!

 

Thanks guys for the comments! I actually have a collection of gold coins in my Dansco type set. I was just missing the two $20 gold coins. I agree with you desertgem, the $10 Indian is gorgeous! I own a lower grade one, but may trade it in for an upgrade someday. The $20 liberty isn't even a consideration, because its beauty does not compare with the saint. I may get one someday to fill the hole.

Anyways, today I purchased my Saint. Since most of my gold coins are XF-AU, I decided I didn't need a high grade Saint as I didnt want it to show up the other coins TOO bad. So saved a few bucks and purchased an MS-61ish or so from my coin dealer. Even with the bag marks, she is a lusterous beaut, and still shows up the rest of my gold coins!! I will post some pics later.

The three dollar coin was tempting, but there is no official place for one in my Dansco type set. It is still next on my list for when I have enough saved up to afford something of that magnitude. I also agree that it was an awesome experience holding a gold coin of this size for the first time!! I've held them in slabs before, but its completely different just holding the coin. I'm VERY happy with my decision.

 

Sorry I didn't see this thread until after you made your purchase. Congratulations. My first gold coin was a 1924 Saint, NGC MS-62.

The $10 Indian is one of the most beautiful US coins ever made. My favorite one serves as my avatar.

Most here would probably side with you in prefering the Saint Gaudens over the Liberty DE, but I'll humbly suggest that you don't overlook the older $20 coin when the time comes. I prefer them to the Saint so I'm biased, but if you research and study them you might find an appreciation for the type. They are very, very cool.

Just my 2¢.......

 

Here she is. The nicks seem to stand out more in the picture than they do in hand. However, it has good luster and a strong strike. Just a beautiful coin. Every time I hold it in my hand I get a chill down my spine....