American Gold 1$ 1873

[Gildeon]

Just won this in an auction. Not very familiar with so old and small gold coins, so I would appreciate your opinion. What should I do with it?

• Keep it or sell it?
• Grade it or not?

Any suggestions or more info are welcomed.

 

[Norskgeld]

You should send it to me immediately!!! 😃

[Gildeon]

20 minutes ago, Norskgeld said:

You should send it to me immediately!!! 😃

I could do that with the right incentive! 🤑

[medgasguy]

There is definitely something about these small gold coins, I had an 1851 $1, overall it looks like an AU(ish) example however I'm not sure it will grade with the scratch on the obverse. Maybe just keep it and enjoy it for what it is. Still a nice pick-up.

[stonedywankanobe]

Nice coin Mr. I've yet to own one as the premium on those are out of hand around here. I've seen several examples at my lcs and each time they have been priced 3 to 4 times actual gold content. ($190-230 range). Granted they were slabbed and are presumably scarce compared to say the gold dos pesos restrikes that I'd rather have. 

Just depends on ones goals. To me that's a collectors coin that if I could nab close to spot I'd flip and make $'s on. 

I'm curious what you had to give for it?

[stonedywankanobe]

Some info as per Red Book on your coin sir. 

Two varities of the 1873 "Indian Princess Dollar" Large Head 1856-1889.

A "close" 3 variety with a mintage mintage of 1800 and the "open" 3 with a mintage of 123,300. 

Both types minted in Philadelphia. 

[Cornishfarmer]

https://www.usacoinbook.com/coins/3476/gold-dollars/large-indian-head/1873-P/closed-3/

[Gildeon]

36 minutes ago, Cornishfarmer said:

https://www.usacoinbook.com/coins/3476/gold-dollars/large-indian-head/1873-P/closed-3/

Thanks that's a very useful link. From what I see I have the "open" variety. Not the rare one but still seems to be a worthy coin.

[Gildeon]

1 hour ago, stonedywankanobe said:

Just depends on ones goals. To me that's a collectors coin that if I could nab close to spot I'd flip and make $'s on. 

I'm curious what you had to give for it?

Certainly more than spot for sure! 😁

[Guest]

It’s a details coin so grading will only prove it’s authentic.  There are scratches on the obverse and the reverse.

 

[Gildeon]

22 minutes ago, Numistacker said:

It’s a details coin so grading will only prove it’s authentic.  There are scratches on the obverse and the reverse.

 

Do you say it's details because of the scratches or something else you also see...?

Just trying to learn here, to avoid more details coins in my next submissions. 😞

[Seasider]

Proving it is authentic is not to be underestimated is it?  Also won't you get some form of grade - eg XF AU or some such which gives a threshold for the status of the coin.

I seem to recall that a lot of these coins were used in jewellery.   Is that a blob of solder above the head?  If it is ex-jewellery that may be another reason it may get a details grade.

Personally I think that is the best head of the three you find on small $1 gold coins so I would keep it.