Grading Gold Coins
- Almost Uncirculated (AU): A coin with mint luster, no significant scratches or rim dings, and only the slightest signs on circulation. Some breaks in the mint luster will be evident in the open fields of the coin.
- Extra Fine (XF): A coin with obvious signs of circulation. Most the detail is clearly visible. Some luster may remain. There are no serious scratches or dings.
- Very Fine (VF): A fairly well worn coin. Most detail is visible, but getting weak. Although clearly circulated, the coin should still be relatively free of damage.
- Low Premium (LP): A cull. A coin that is either damaged or excessively worn. Not nice enough to make the grade of VF.
Prices We Can Pay*:
| May 18, 2012 9:00am GOLD BASIS: | $1,588.00 | ||
| Our Buy Prices | |||
| Description | VF | XF | AU |
| $20 St Gaudens | NA | $1,565 | $1,580 |
| $20 Liberty | $1,535 | $1,550 | $1,565 |
| $10 Indian | $765 | $775 | $785 |
| $10 Liberty | $755 | $765 | $770 |
| $5 Indian | $360 | $365 | $380 |
| $5 Liberty | $350 | $355 | $365 |
| $3 Gold | Call | Call | Call |
| $2 1/2 Indian | $175 | $180 | $190 |
| $2 1/2 Liberty | $190 | $210 | $225 |
*Prices are subject to change without notice as they reflect current market conditions.
PCGS/NGC Certified U.S. Gold:
We are aggressive buyers and market makers for PCGS and NGC certified gold coins. The following chart reflects the prices we can pay for common date, spot free coins of each series indicated. Please contact us for our buy prices on better date coins.
Prices We Can Pay*:
| May 18, 2012 9:00am GOLD BASIS: | $1,588.00 | ||||
| Our Buy Prices | |||||
| Description | MS61 | MS62 | MS63 | MS64 | MS65 |
| $20 St Gaudens | $1,595 | $1,610 | $1,625 | $1,675 | $1,845 |
| $20 Liberty | $1,600 | $1,610 | $1,645 | $1,885 | CALL |
| $10 Indian | $785 | $815 | $845 | $1,350 | CALL |
| $10 Liberty | $800 | $830 | $875 | $1,300 | CALL |
| $5 Indian | $460 | $530 | $1,145 | CALL | CALL |
| $5 Liberty | $385 | $415 | $480 | $735 | CALL |
| $3 Gold | CALL | CALL | CALL | CALL | CALL |
| $2 1/2 Indian | $280 | $300 | $515 | $915 | CALL |
| $2 1/2 Liberty | $420 | $420 | $440 | $615 | CALL |
*Prices are subject to change without notice as they reflect changing market conditions. We reserve the right to limit quantities. All trades must be confirmed with ARCC by speaking to a qualified individual. All confirmed trades are considered binding.
Circulated U.S. Gold Coins:
The US Mint struck its first gold coins in 1795. The mint continued to strike coins for circulation until 1933.
Liberty Gold Coins $20, $20, $5, and $2½:
(Years of issue: 1838-1907)
The Liberty design was first used in 1838. It continued as a mainstay of US Coinage until 1907. During these years the Liberty design was used on the $20, $10, $5 and $2½ gold coins. There are many better date coins within each series. Most US Gold Coins are worth a premium over their actual gold value.
$20 St. Gaudens:
(Years of issue: 1907-1933)
The $20 Gold coins issued from 1907-1933 are commonly referred to by the name of their designer, the famous sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens. They feature a stunning portrayal of Ms. Liberty in a flowing gown on the obverse and a soaring eagle on the reverse. Each coin contains .9675 of an ounce of gold. Many key dates occur within the series and all coins should be examined closely. The rarest coin in the series, one dated 1933, recently sold at public auction for the staggering figure of $7.59 million. Many coins from this series commonly trade for a 10-50% premium over their actual gold value.
$10 Indian:
(Years of issue: 1907-1933)
The $10 Indian coins were also designed by Augustus Saint-Gaudens. Each coin contains .48375 of an ounce of gold. Most of the years are relatively common in circulated condition, but there are important exceptions. Each coin should be examined closely for the possibility of a better date and mintmark combination. With uncirculated $10 Indians, the exact Mint State grade will significantly affect the value of each individual coin.
$5 Indians and $2½ Indians:
(Years of issue: 1908-1929)
The $5 and $2½ Indian gold coins were designed by Bela Lyon Pratt. These coins feature an unusual incuse design (the field of the coin is its highpoint and the design is stamped into the coin). The $5 coin contains .24187 of an ounce of gold and the $2½ contains .12094 of an ounce of gold. These coins trade at significant premiums over their gold value. Each coin needs to be examined closely as their value will vary greatly according to date, mintmark and condition.
*Prices are subject to change without notice as they reflect current market conditions.
