$2½ Indian Head Gold Coins

waxpack

Hello, I just recieved two $2 1/2 Indian Head Gold coins. Both coins are dated 1927. I collect baseball cards but not coins. I'm looking for info and value on them. Both coins were given to me by my grandmother. They were given to her by her mother. I think today was the first time they've seen the light of day since 1927. I know sportscard grading but have no clue on what to look for with coins. I would like to have the coins graded and slabbed. I think the coins to be in great shape.

Thank you!

Jeremy

RYK

There is a photograde app for the iPod and iPad that can help you with a grading range. However, the Indian head quarter eagles are, IMO, among the toughest coins to grade. Look for strike/detail, marks, and especially luster. If you are looking to sell them, I believe that if they are TPG graded MS-63 or higher, you will maximize the value of the coins in a slab. In any grade slab, you will improve their liquidity.

AnkurJ

And whatever you do, do not clean/polish/scrub/shine them!

canadanz

<< <i>There is a photograde app for the iPod and iPad that can help you with a grading range. However, the Indian head quarter eagles are, IMO, among the toughest coins to grade. Look for strike/detail, marks, and especially luster. If you are looking to sell them, I believe that if they are TPG graded MS-63 or higher, you will maximize the value of the coins in a slab. In any grade slab, you will improve their liquidity. >>



Also available online at http://www.pcgs.com/photograde

Rob85635

You can get a good idea if they will slab by posting some pics if you can. What looks good to you might not to some of the experts. My main concern given the history of the coins is that they may have been cleaned at some point. I hope not but post pics and see what people say.

roadrunner

Even authentic worn coins are worth $275-$320 each. Lower range uncs worth from $350-$475.

Just by what is typically seen, they're probably worth around $300-$350 each. If you luck out and have a MS63-64 (not so likely), then could be worth $650-$1100 each.

roadrunner

Type2

Yup yup need a pic. Way cool you rec them would love to see them. And you can go to photo grade just to look and get a idea of what you have..

waxpack

Thank you everyone. I tried to take pictures but couldn't any good ones. What company is the best for grading and can I send in two coins without becoming a member of the company?

BillJones

Here a couple of pieces to give you an idea as to grading. This 1927 quarter is a nice exmple in Almost Uncirculated condition.



An this is a very nice MS-64 graded piece from the first year of issue, 1908.

roadrunner

Before spending $90 or so to send these coins in for grading I'd suggest you first take them to a local coin shop or a Sunday coin show to get a few opinions.
You'll find someone who will tell you what they worst and best expected grades would be. If the coins are less than MS62-63 grade, it will not pay off to get them
graded.

roadrunner

scottgardener

These coins are notoriously hard to grade, and they are often plagued by counterfeiting, so it is worth the trouble to get them graded, if for no other reason than to prove their authenticity. (They may be heirlooms, but accounts of grandparents tend to raise, not lower, suspicion among dealers and collectors.)

If, on the other hand, you have no interest in selling or trading in your lifetime, slabbing and grading may not be necessary. If so, then proper handling is very important for the sake of future generations. Avoid pliable PVC holders, excess moisture, or the temptation to clean or polish the coins!

As for their probable grade or state of being, there is a wide difference in values among different grades of uncirculated coins. Those with less marks and scratches.can be worth a thousand or several thousand, though most uncirculated coins fall in the lower range, worth maybe $400-$600.

BBN

If they were handed down through generations then they are valuable beyond numismatic value.

BillJones

Here is a Mint State 1927 quarter eagle, which is the same year as your pieces.

JamesMurray

This is my first ever piece of gold in coin form.I had no idea the value was as high on these and i cringe now when i recall what i paid.($150) Ive posted it before as while it's not my finest or prettiest gold it is my firm favorite and it's all down to the noble Indian on the obverse.In the past i havnt solicited a grade estimate , i would however really appreciate anyone taking time to have a go at it.Don't be afraid to hurt my feelings , i paid less than bullion for it.

construct

<< <i>This is my first ever piece of gold in coin form.I had no idea the value was as high on these and i cringe now when i recall what i paid.($150) Ive posted it before as while it's not my finest or prettiest gold it is my firm favorite and it's all down to the noble Indian on the obverse.In the past i havnt solicited a grade estimate , i would however really appreciate anyone taking time to have a go at it.Don't be afraid to hurt my feelings , i paid less than bullion for it.

I'm sorry, but there is no way to grade it without better pictures. In fact, I do not even believe this series can ever be graded from pictures. As has been mentioned already, this series is among the most difficult to authenticate and grade, and there are an unbelievable number of raw counterfeits.

JamesMurray

I was afraid of that , those pics were with my old canon 5mp camera , happily i got a new 12mp camera from a gentleman on the BST , i'll get better pics and try again , thanks Construct.

BillJones

It looks like an AU grade coin, and if you bought a couple of years ago, you didn't rip-off anyone because the high gold prices have only become an issue over the past year and a half.

JamesMurray

<< <i>It looks like an AU grade coin, and if you bought a couple of years ago, you didn't rip-off anyone because the high gold prices have only become an issue over the past year and a half. >>



Thanks Bill , i did have it checked at my local B & M , he said its genuine but wouldn't speculate further , probably because i didnt buy it there. I bought it in 07 at bullion price or slightly above , thanks : ) i'll sleep better from here out , i felt kinda bad seeing they are worth what they are now. Its my keeper though , id forgo all my coins but that one if it came to it.

mozin

My advice on collecting, what I consider to be the most collectable US coin series, is to buy PCGS encapsulated $2.50 Indian specimens in any grade you like. Forget the other grading services, because PCGS specimens worth buying are readily available for the entire series. Take your time to find exactly what you want with the 1911-D, the only hard to find $2.50 Indian. Such a short series is a good start in collecting US coins. Forget about collecting the modern stuff.