1907 high relief Saint Gaudens

JapanJohn

I've pretty much decided to get one, however, now the hunt begins in earnest. This is such a large purchase for me that it's got to be the right one and I'm going to have to see it in hand before buying. No internet stuff and no believing the number imbedded inside the plastic.

Since I live overseas this means it's going to take a while for me to pull this off but I do travel to the states frequently and am generally close to some decent sized cities, (LA, San Diego, etc.). I'm looking for an assist on buying strategy or tips for a purchase this large.

I'd like a mint state but will roll back to AU58 or so if the coin looks good to me.

Should I, get the gray sheet and buy on my own. Select a dealer and work that way or just what is generally the best way to go about this. Also I have to wait for a CD to mature before I'll have the cash available to pull this off. I'm thinking around $20 to $30K.

Any and all opinions and help are appreciated.

John

DennisH

John:

There are lots of them around, which will work in your favor. They regularly (always) turn up in auctions, and the Heritage archives will give you a great idea of what prices are. Here is what they've sold just this year:

Auction 407, Lot 1874 Saturday, July 8, 2006 62 NGC $21,275.00
Auction 407, Lot 1875 Saturday, July 8, 2006 64 PCGS $32,200.00
Auction 408, Lot 3954 Saturday, June 3, 2006 63 NGC $23,000.00
Auction 408, Lot 3956 Saturday, June 3, 2006 64 NGC $28,750.00
Auction 408, Lot 3955 Saturday, June 3, 2006 64 NGC $37,375.00
Auction 408, Lot 3958 Saturday, June 3, 2006 65 NGC $48,875.00
Auction 412, Lot 2147 Saturday, March 4, 2006 64 PCGS $34,500.00
Auction 400, Lot 3496 Saturday, February 11, 2006 64 PCGS $35,937.50
Auction 394, Lot 3588 Saturday, January 7, 2006 64 PCGS $29,900.00

ER

Man, I wish you had posted this last month, 'cause I sold my MS61.

JapanJohn

Thanks Dennis,

I've checked the Heritage stuff before and kind of have a feel what they go for. I've been kicking this around for a couple months and have talked myself into and out of this a few times now. I want one and I have the ways and means to get one but I won't lie and say it won't hurt. But I view it as a tangible asset. Even if I buy in at say $20K and sell in 10 years for $20K I had the privilege of holding the coin many call the most beautiful ever. (I'm not saying it is or isn't).

I've done very well. Essentially less than 10 years ago I had NOTHING and I've managed to save and invest in the market and real estate and have a fair amount of money. It doesn't hurt that I work for Uncle Sam and live overseas as well and Uncle Sugar gives me free housing. So I draw a fair salary and have NO bills. This is the time to get a coin like this if I intend to get one.

I'm not sure where to start as I'm not buying this off eBay or an online auction gallery. I'm holding this coin in my hands before I ever buy it and it has to be autheniticated by PCGS. No others.

Well, as much as I'm trying to stall it I have got to get outside and run 3 or 4 miles this morning before work. I'll think this through a little more on my morning jog.

John

mrearlygold

jpkinla

I would strongly suggest buying a MS64 or better example if possible.....The extra money will benefit you in the long run....

RWB

There are a great many of these of both varieties on the market. With patience, you should be able to find a good value. Be sure it is certified - there are many excellent counterfeits.

Heritage, ANR and Stack's auctions have these by the dozen nearly every sale.