Numismatics

In 1999 the United States Mint produced the second-highest number of half-ounce Gold American Eagles in its history at over 263,000. The surge in demand was attributed to the growing uncertainty surrounding the new millennium also known as Y2K. Even with this large number of coins being minted, there are only 187 pieces with the perfect MS70 grade in the NGC population. In turn, this coin has become highly desirable by collectors and investors alike. This piece is flawlessly struck, equally well-preserved, and has an impressive eye appeal. The satiny yellow-gold surfaces entice the viewer. Furthermore, this piece is hand signed by the Vice President of NGC, Miles Standish. Miles Standish is a prominent numismatist, author, coin grader and industry innovator, He was the first full time coin grader at PCGS and joined NGC as a vice president in 2015. He was honored in 2011 by US Mint Director Edmund Moy, who presented Standish with the coveted Director’s Coin for Excellence medal.

The 1996 Gold Eagle series followed the tenth anniversary of the series in the prior year. Mintages slowed for the larger denominations, however, the sales and corresponding mintage for the one-quarter ounce Gold Eagles slowed an unusual increase, with over a 25% drop in mintage compared to the prior year. The U.S Mint produced over 60,000 one-quarter ounce pieces. These pieces are scarce in perfect 70 with only 65 pieces in the PCGS population. Early year Gold Eagles are sought after by investors and collectors. If you are building a one-quarter ounce collection, be sure to add this to your portfolio. This piece features a razor-sharp design and beautiful original luster.

The year 1990 marked the 5th year of release for the Gold American Eagle series. The overall production of Gold Eagles fell across all denominations, with the one-tenth-ounce piece experiencing a production drop of over 20% from the previous year. The total mintage was over 210,000 pieces, with only 49 pieces being certified perfect Mint State 70 by PCGS. Due to the scarcity of pieces available in Mint State 70, this coin is highly sought after by collectors and investors. This is an exceptional example of the 1990 $5 Gold Eagle in MS70. Take time to notice the beautiful finish and original Mint luster.

In 1989, the United Stated Mint produced just over 260,000 one-tenth ounce Gold American Eagles, and less than 1% of those coins have achieved the perfect MS70 grade by NGC. This is a beautiful example of the 1989 $5 Gold American Eagle. It has been graded MS70 by NGC due to its perfect state! The intricate detail and clarity combined with the amazing luster will make this flawless Gold Eagle appealing to both collectors and investors.

Are you looking to add a truly stunning piece to your collection? Then look no further than this beautiful example of the $10 Gold American Eagle. The 1987 quarter ounce Gold American Eagle only had a total mintage of 269,255 coins and only 47 pieces have been certified in the ultimate grade of MS70 by the Professional Coin Grading Service. The surfaces of this amazing coin are technically perfect with a yellow-gold color. It also has sharply detailed design elements and a vibrant mint luster, making it a key date coin for any collection.

The Indian Quarter Eagle was first released in 1908. What makes this coin unique in American numismatics is how the fields of the coin are raised higher than the rest of the coin’s design and have no raised edge. This is called an “incuse design”. In fact, this $2.50 Indian Quarter Eagle carries the distinction of being one of only two designs in American history to use an incuse design. The other is the $5 Indian Half Eagle. The decision to strike coins like this was not well received when they came out. However, today they are beloved by collectors. Having their production ceased in 1929, the $2.50 Indian Half Eagle was in production for barely 15 years, meaning that there aren’t many on the market. Out of over 400,000 coins minted, less than 2% of those coins have achieved the MS63 grade by NGC and only 212 coins have been certified by CAC, making this piece highly desirable by collectors. Certified Acceptance Corporation (CAC) holds coins to a higher standard so collectors can be confident in the value of their pieces. They are a third party, that verifies previously graded coins and award their sticker only to those coins that meet the standard for today’s selective buyer.

The Indian Half Eagle was first released in 1908. What makes this coin unique in American numismatics is how the fields of the coin are raised higher than the rest of the coin’s design and have no raised edge. This is called an “incuse design”. In fact, this $5 Indian Quarter Eagle carries the distinction of being one of only two designs in American history to use an incuse design. The other is the $2.50 Indian Quarter Eagle. The decision to strike coins like this was not well received when they came out. However, today they are beloved by collectors. The Indian Half Eagle was produced form 1908-1916, and then returned for one final year of production in 1929. Needless to say, there aren’t many on the market. Out of over 900,000 coins minted, less than 1% of those coins have achieved the MS62 grade by PCGS, making this piece highly desirable by collectors.

In the United States, Mint engraver Christian Gobrecht was strongly influenced by Neoclassicism, which was especially apparent in his use of the classically stylized head of Liberty on the Coronet half eagle, which replaced the Classic Head design in 1839. The obverse design of the new coin featured Liberty’s hair tied in a bun and secured by a string of beads. She also wore a coronet in her hair inscribed with the word Liberty. In 1907, the Philadelphia Mint struck over 600,000 Liberty half eagles and only 95 pieces have been stickered by the Certified Acceptance Corporation in MS63. CAC holds coins to a higher standard so collectors can be confident in the value of their pieces. They are a third party that verifies previously graded coins and award their sticker only to those coins that meet the standard for today’s selective buyer.

In the United States, Mint engraver Christian Gobrecht was strongly influenced by Neoclassicism, which was especially apparent in his use of the classically stylized head of Liberty on the Coronet half eagle, which replaced the Classic Head design in 1839. The obverse design of the new coin featured Liberty’s hair tied in a bun and secured by a string of beads. She also wore a coronet in her hair inscribed with the word Liberty. In 1907, the Philadelphia Mint struck over 600,000 Liberty half eagles and only 21 pieces have been stickered by the Certified Acceptance Corporation in MS62. CAC holds coins to a higher standard so collectors can be confident in the value of their pieces. They are a third party that verifies previously graded coins and award their sticker only to those coins that meet the standard for today’s selective buyer.

The $10 Gold Liberty was produced from 1838-1907. The mintages of these beautiful pieces are as low as 100 coins to quantities stretching into the millions. The design was created by Christian Gobrecht, who was inspired by the portrait of Venus in Benjamin West’s Painting Omnia Vincit Amor (Love Conquers All). This design also was also used for the half-eagle and large cent of 1839. In 1906, the Denver Mint Struck over 300,000 $10 Gold Liberty’s and only 3 pieces have been stickered by the Certified Acceptance Corporation in AU58. CAC holds coins to a higher standard so collectors can be confident in the value of their pieces. They are a third party that verifies previously graded coins and award their sticker only to those coins that meet the standard for today’s selective buyer. Furthermore, this piece has received the Gold CAC sticker which means the coin exceeds the current grade of the holder. Lastly, this piece is in a classic NGC fatty holder.

In the United States, Mint engraver Christian Gobrecht was strongly influenced by Neoclassicism, which was especially apparent in his use of the classically stylized head of Liberty on the Coronet half eagle, which replaced the Classic Head design in 1839. The obverse design of the new coin featured Liberty’s hair tied in a bun and secured by a string of beads. She also wore a coronet in her hair inscribed with the word Liberty. In 1900, the Philadelphia Mint struck over 1.4 million Liberty half eagles and only 114 pieces have been stickered by the Certified Acceptance Corporation. CAC holds coins to a higher standard so collectors can be confident in the value of their pieces. They are a third party that verifies previously graded coins and award their sticker only to those coins that meet the standard for today’s selective buyer.

One major variety is the 1808/7 Capped Bust $5 Gold Half Eagle featuring an 1808 date struck over an 1807 date. The "8 Over 7" variety can be identified by noting a small portion of the underlying "7" being seen around the top half of the last "8" in the 1808 date. Depicted below is an example closeup image of the overdate - notice the portions of the underlying "7" depicted by the arrows. Over 55,000 half eagles were struck in 1808 and only 14 coins have received the AU58 grade from NGC.

America’s largest circulating gold coin was the double eagle or $20 piece, born in the exciting years of the great California Gold Rush. The new mines yielded the greatest mass of gold in recorded history. Vast quantities of the yellow metal helped to speed development of the American West and had far-reaching effects on the world’s coinage. The U.S. Mint issued its first Gold coins in 1795. In 1853 the New Orleans Mint produced just over 71,000 $20 Gold Liberty’s and less than 1% of those coins struck have received the AU55 grade from NGC.

America’s largest circulating gold coin was the double eagle or $20 piece, born in the exciting years of the great California Gold Rush. The new mines yielded the greatest mass of gold in recorded history. Vast quantities of the yellow metal helped to speed development of the American West and had far-reaching effects on the world’s coinage. The U.S. Mint issued its first Gold coins in 1795. In 1879 the Philadelphia Mint produced just over 1,700,000 $20 Gold Liberty’s and less than 1% of those coins struck have received the MS62 grade from PCGS. These double eagles were minted with both "Open 3" and "Closed 3". For the Philadelphia Mint issues the Open 3 is common and the Closed 3 is scarce. But how can one tell the difference? Look at the larger ball at the lower curve of the 3. The diameter of the ball is about the same size as the opening and would just pass through it. On the closed 3, the lower ball would not pass through the constricted opening.

A storied relic from America’s Gilded Age, this 1876 $20 gold coin is steeped in the heritage of the Wild West, the California Gold Rush, and the historic Carson City Mint. There are only 208 AU50 Liberty Head Double Eagle coins in NGC population. Don’t wait to stake your claim.

America’s largest circulating gold coin was the double eagle or $20 piece, born in the exciting years of the great California Gold Rush. The new mines yielded the greatest mass of gold in recorded history. Vast quantities of the yellow metal helped to speed development of the American West and had far-reaching effects on the world’s coinage. The U.S. Mint issued its first Gold coins in 1795. In 1900 the Mint produced just over 1,800,000 $20 Gold Liberty’s and only 2 coins have received the MS64+ grade by PCGS or NGC. Also, PCGS has assigned this piece a + grade, only coins at the high end of their assigned grade which are approaching the quality requirements for the next grade can receive this designation. In addition to their superior technical merit, coins that receive a + must have above-average eye appeal. Furthermore, the grade of the coin has been verified by the Certified Acceptance Corporation (CAC). CAC holds coins to a higher standard so collectors can be confident in the value of their pieces. They are a third party that verifies previously graded coins and award their sticker only to those coins that meet the standard for today’s selective buyer.

America’s largest circulating gold coin was the double eagle or $20 piece, born in the exciting years of the great California Gold Rush. The new mines yielded the greatest mass of gold in recorded history. Vast quantities of the yellow metal helped to speed development of the American West and had far-reaching effects on the world’s coinage. The U.S. Mint issued its first Gold coins in 1795. In 1905 the Mint produced just over 6,000,000 $20 Gold Liberty’s and only 8 coins have received the MS64PL grade by PCGS. PCGS defines surface Prooflike as clear reflection in the fields on both sides as viewed from two to four inches away. A misty effect or striations may impede the reflectivity.

In the United States, Mint engraver Christian Gobrecht was strongly influenced by Neoclassicism, which was especially apparent in his use of the classically stylized head of Liberty on the Coronet half eagle, which replaced the Classic Head design in 1839. The obverse design of the new coin featured Liberty’s hair tied in a bun and secured by a string of beads. She also wore a coronet in her hair inscribed with the word Liberty. In 1905, the Philadelphia Mint struck over 300,000 Liberty half eagles and less than 1% of those coins have received the MS64 grade by NGC.

The Indian Half Eagle was first released in 1908. What makes this coin unique in American numismatics is how the fields of the coin are raised higher than the rest of the coin’s design and have no raised edge. This is called an “incuse design”. In fact, this $5 Indian Quarter Eagle carries the distinction of being one of only two designs in American history to use an incuse design. The other is the $2.50 Indian Quarter Eagle. The decision to strike coins like this was not well received when they came out. However, today they are beloved by collectors. The Indian Half Eagle was produced form 1908-1916, and then returned for one final year of production in 1929. Needless to say, there aren’t many on the market. The San Francisco Mint Struck only 82,000 pieces in 1908, less than 1% of those coins have achieved the AU58 grade by NGC, making this piece highly desirable by collectors.