I've decided to buy a $20 St Gaudens. It will be my first gold coin, although I have a pretty nice type set excluding gold coins. I went to the 4 coin shops in the Portland, Or area to try to pick one out. I looked at about 20 coins from EF to BU, but all of them seem to have a lot of tiny scratches, and Liberty seemed to have a flatish nose, or at least wide appearing. Is this common? I could use some input on what to look for and what to avoid, to get a coin that I don't regret buying later on. I'd be very grateful for input from the board. 10 Q, JonySky
First and foremost buy what you like. Second, particularly b/c your getting into gold coins that have been copied, counterfieited, etc. I'd seriously consider only buying certified, graded coins from one of the top grading companies. You'll pay a bit more up front, but it will server you well in the long run, plus you'll know you've got the real deal. I've just started eyeing these myself, so I'm in the same boat. Check out www.coinfacts.com for mintage numbers and you'll get an idea of which ones will cost you an arm and a leg just based on the date without consideration of condition. Good luck
I would second the suggestion to buy a certified coin. The other general suggestion I would give would be to buy any year other than 1924 [it's too common]. Finally, I would give "eye appeal at least as much weight as the technical grade when deciding which coin to buy. I would rather have a bright MS61 than a dull or discolored MS63 -- and just save the money; but that's a personal preference of mine.
I only have one as well. Mine is a 1908 'No Motto' (NM) in raw mint state the dealer in town said. I like the fact it's a NM cause Teddy Roosevelt and Agustus didn't want God associated with the vice's a $20 coin might be used for, Booze, Prostitution, Gambling, etc. LOL. Sadly when Augustus died they started adding the motto then but only after most of the 4,000,000+ 1908s were struck. Bone
I would agree with buying a certified coin, just make sure it is certified by NGC, PCGS, ANACS or ICG. Then I would suggest you determine what your budget limitations are and let that help you pick out the coin you want. Naturally the price will also help determine what grade you can afford - but that will differ with date & mm. That's where what you like comes into play - make sure the coin, regardless of grade, is pleasing to your eye
