What Do You Think Of This $3 Gold?

CharlotteDude

How rare is the 1857-S within the $3 Gold series ranking wise?
Any thoughts?


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originalisbest

Fairly OK date, but they're all somewhat scarce. Despite this - I'd pass on this example. My eye leapt immediately to the smash on the primary focal area of the date, and you can bet a future buyer would zero in on that too.

Other than that, a tad scruffy - but it is the date hit that kills it for me.

Edit: BTW, welcome to the boards!

CharlotteDude

Okay... thanks for the response. I had always thought the '57-s was a much better date as opposed to the Philly mint ones (with a few other branch mint pieces being even rarer - 70-s, 54-D, 55-S...) With the exception of the few dings on the reverse, it appears to be a nice coin. I understand that the San Fran minted coins tended to circulate more readily than their Philly counterparts, so have to wonder if an example w/a few bagmarks isn't really unusual.

msch1man

I think it looks real solid for a 53, but I have to agree that the hit on the date is very distracting.

Longacre

I don't know about that coin specifically, but in general what do you collect? By your screen name, it looks like you are familiar with buying gold coins (maybe I'm wrong). Do you have a dealer that you deal with regularly that specializes in gold? If not, I can provide some suggestions.

RYK

The hit on the date does not bother me much. The lousy pictures do. Despite that this coin is relatively scarce, they do turn up with some regularity. I would be hesitant to purchase a coin of this price on ebay--even with the return priviliage. I believe that I have had contact with the seller (almost won one of his auctions) and recall him to be on-the-level.

CharlotteDude

I generally collect Charlotte mint gold.... have a few dahlonega pieces and New Orleans $20's, 10's and $5's and a 54-O $3. I'm trying to upload images of a 46-C half eagle I bought several years ago from a guy in Wilmington, NC to the "What's the coolest coin you ever bought locally" thread, but I'm having a bear of a time getting my images uploaded.... slow, slow, slow - says my attachments are too big. Not too familiar w/$3 Gold, other than the 54-O $3.

RYK

Welcome, Dude,

I belong to a small cadre of collectors here who (also) specialize in southern gold. My collection can be viewed through the link below. If you are not already a member, please consider joining the Southern Gold Society. Also, please turn on your private message function on your profile. It will indicate in the upper left part of the screen if you have a message to read.

Robert

CharlotteDude

Very nice website! I can tell you have a penchant for Dahlonega $5's.... nice run of 'em.