Opinions Re $2 1/2 Gold Indians

RichR · January 19, 2010 2:17PM

I've decided to start an Unc set of 2 1/2 gold Indians...a nice short set with only one killer coin.

Having never owned any, I'm just wondering how a nicely matched set of slabbed MS-62 coins would appear? Of course, I'd like to get 63s, but the prices seem to jump considerably from 62 to 63. Is it worth the difference in price?

Opinions?

MidLifeCrisis · January 19, 2010 2:24PM

I think you would do well if you were very selective and chose pieces in the 62-63 range. I think generally 63s are worth the difference in price and you will be glad you reached for them.

CaptHenway · January 19, 2010 2:36PM

<< <i>I've decided to start an Unc set of 2 1/2 gold Indians...a nice short set with only one killer coin.

Having never owned any, I'm just wondering how a nicely matched set of slabbed MS-62 coins would appear? Of course, I'd like to get 63s, but the prices seem to jump considerably from 62 to 63. Is it worth the difference in price?

Opinions? >>

That is a coin that looks very nice in proper;ly-graded MS-62.
As you say, the price jump to 63 is considerable.
Do it and enjoy it.
MOO
TD

PerryHall · January 19, 2010 5:30PM

It's a great set and it's the only U.S. coins series can be completed on a middle class income. The only really expensive coin is the 1911-D, but a nice lustrous AU58 would fit nicely in a 62 set. The incuse design of the Indian $2 1/2 and $5 gold is unique among U.S. coins and, other that the buffalo nickel, it's the only circulating classic U.S. coin design that shows a real Native American.

Barndog · January 19, 2010 10:18PM

I did the set in AU-58 (my 11-D was AU-55). MUCH more affordable that way and I got to choose coins that were darn nice for the grade.

MidLifeCrisis · January 19, 2010 10:35PM

<< <i>I did the set in AU-58 (my 11-D was AU-55). MUCH more affordable that way and I got to choose coins that were darn nice for the grade. >>

I like this AU-58 idea...you should be able to get some really nice coins.

Longacre · January 19, 2010 10:48PM

<< <i>

<< <i>I did the set in AU-58 (my 11-D was AU-55). MUCH more affordable that way and I got to choose coins that were darn nice for the grade. >>

I like this AU-58 idea...you should be able to get some really nice coins. >>

I like the Barndog's advice as well.

darktone · January 19, 2010 10:51PM

I think you should really get to know how to grade these before you start. There are a lot of different MS62's- the cleaned coin with few contact marks are the ones I would avoid. You can find some very nice original coins with good color and luster but with a few contact marks that keep their grade at MS62. These are the coins I would look for. But really you need to know what your looking at first to pick out quality coins in this series for the grade.

RichR · January 20, 2010 1:09AM

<<I think you should really get to know how to grade these before you start. There are a lot of different MS62's- the cleaned coin with few contact marks are the ones I would avoid. You can find some very nice original coins with good color and luster but with a few contact marks that keep their grade at MS62. These are the coins I would look for. But really you need to know what your looking at first to pick out quality coins in this series for the grade.>>

Since I'm new to this series...and also don't usually take chances with gold in any form...I'm going to stick to slabbed (PCGS/NGC) specimens. I'm assuming they're both pretty good and weeding out the clunkers?

PerryHall · January 20, 2010 4:22AM

This series is has been very heavily counterfeited so stick with NGC/PCGS slabbed coins.

darktone · January 20, 2010 4:25AM

I was referring to Pcgs/Ngc coins. There is a wide variety of coins that grade ms62.

roadrunner · January 20, 2010 8:59AM

Either grade should do you well. The pops for 62's vs. 63's aren't all that much different. Like everyone has said you can find a huge expanse of quality in each grade range. With that said I would look only for 62+,62++ or 63+,63++ quality when doing the set. That's very achievable with so few dates in the set and tens of thousands of slabbed coins out there.

I usually find 80-90% of all $2-1/2 and $5 Indians I look at to be unacceptable. If it isn't too many marks, then it's weak luster, or too obvious high point rub/stacking friction/strike issues. If I were doing such a set I would only be satisfied with orig pieces with glowing luster, a strong eagle's shoulder, no significant copper spots, and very clean surfaces/marks. Personally I think the MS63 grade is the most ripe for promotion as in the recent past these have been pushed up to $1250 or higher. Right now they are on the lower end of their trading range in the $700-$750 zone for commons. But for minimal downside the 62 grade is hard to beat. The jump to 64 is also substantial so either grade gives you a nice boost if you select well. Be very fussy with these as there are lots of so-so pieces in holders. You want your set to stand out. And a set with all high end dazzling pieces would do just that whether they be 62's or 63's. Anyone can slap together a set of these in 24 hours and a few bucks if they only care about the grading insert.

roadrunner

Opinions Re $2 1/2 Gold Indians

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