First post....and a question

USMC_6115

Hello all!

Just wanted to say first that I love this board; very informative and helpful thanks to all of you. This is my first post but I've been watching and learning a lot. It seems most first posts always include a question just like mine...

Question for the Modern American Eagle experts: I just received a coin I ordered via mail order; it's a 1990 1/2 OZ Gold American Eagle. It came with contact marks and scratches that I could easily see with the naked eye. What condition do you consider to be acceptable? In the past I've used Ebay and never saw an eagle as bad as this one. This particular coin came from an online coin dealer so I expected it to be better. Where do you draw the line?

Thanks all! Let me know if you need more info....Stan

Russ

<< <i>What condition do you consider to be acceptable? >>



On these, I think the only acceptable condition is near perfection. They are handled carefully at the mint and should not be subject to the bagmarking and other problems found on coins minted for circulation.

And, welcome aboard!

Russ, NCNE

ldhair

If it's a proof it's a real problem coin. Can you post a picture?

ldhair

And welcome

bumpy

<< <i> : I just received a coin I ordered via mail order; it's a 1990 1/2 OZ Gold American Eagle. It came with contact marks and scratches that I could easily see with the naked eye.

never saw an eagle as bad as this one. >>



Well, he didn't charge extra for breaking in your 'pocket piece', did he??

nwcs

Welcome! If you are referring to the uncirculated eagles, then you should not expect quite perfection. They can be handled a little more roughly. Especially through the middlemen who sell it for the mint. Proofs, though, are another matter.

jonesy

Welcome to the Forums Masscrew!
Glenn

cladking

Welcome aboard. Tough question. There is not normally a very wide range in quality
for such coins. It could have been mishandled after leaving the mint.

GTOster

Welcome, Welcome, Welcome,
Paul

JOHNandBEA

Massscrew...

One thing I've learned in my short stint as a collector...........is to speak up!!!!

I'm sitting here with a few coins that I wish I had asked either this forum (which you are doing) or the seller about your concerns....everytime so far that I have expressed my dissatisfaction, the seller has made good, either repaced or refunded my money.

You'll be surprised how accomidating they can be.


Welcome
John

ksteelheader

Velcomin! I'd probably make contact with the seller and express my concerns.....Ken

Tootawl

I agree. Call the dealer and tell him/her how unhappy you are.


....and howdeeee.

fcloud

A big HELLO, and welcome to the boards!

ursabear

Hello massscrew! Welcome here. Lots of great folks, pithy and interesting conversation, and lots of things to learn and share are here nearly all the time! The pod grows!

If it is an MS coin or a proof (but especially a proof!), contact your seller and ask for a replacement or a refund if you find the coin unlike what you were expecting. Don't accept coins you don't like.

Let us hear how things work out. Ask more questions!

wallstreetman

Thats why a 69 means something!

Welcome!

jeffnpcb

Sounds like a regular strike in MS and possibly, depending on grade, worth more than a proof strike.

Welcome aboard and try to read between the lines, read more, books or otherwise, and always read full descriptions of any coin you want to purchase and compare it to your literature or internet info!!

Buckle in because this arena could be a bumpy ride!

Baley

welcome aboard! as for the half ounce of gold, how much handling and/or marks is acceptable depends on how much above spot you paid. At a premium of 50% over spot or more it needs to be pretty much perfect. at 5% over spot you can accept a few dings, maybe a touch of rub. what did you pay for the coin?

USMC_6115

Thanks for all the replies; very helpful! It's an uncirculated (or supposed to be) which I paid $275 for. It's certainly over spot but it's under it's "wholesale" if I'm not mistaken. Anyone know of any good books that will disclose what they are supposed to cost. I'm at a loss on some of these coins. Right now on Ebay, there's a 1989 Gold Eagle MS69 that's going for $2000.00!!!! The 1991 in the same grade is about half of that! And the 1991 is the lowest minted Eagle...Ebay is pretty much what I've been using as a guage as to the value of these coins based on the Ebay community...That along with my local dealer whose inventory is up and down....someone mentioned pictures but right now my camera has seen better days...Also, I just emailed the dealer in regards to the coin. I'll post the results as soon as I get them.

Thanks everyone for all your help..