What's Hot, What's Not: The US Rare Gold Coin Market in 2015/2016

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What's Hot, What's Not: The US Rare Gold Coin Market in 2015/2016

As is tradition at DWN, at the end of every year we summarize our experiences buying and selling choice and rare United States gold coins and attempt to predict what will be the “hot” and “not so hot” areas in the market. 

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The 15 US Gold Coins Which All Collectors Should Own

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The 15 US Gold Coins Which All Collectors Should Own

Even if you are an ultra-specialized collector of U.S. gold coins—let’s say with an emphasis on Type One double eagles or Dahlonega half eagles—there are still specific important gold types which you might find compelling. A collector recently asked me for a list of a dozen gold issues which fell out of his range of specialization but which I felt might make good additions to his set.

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What are Coins with Character?

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What are Coins with Character?

On the front page of my website (www.raregoldcoins.com) you will see the tagline Coins with Character. This has been the official motto of Douglas Winter Numismatics for many years, and I am often asked by collectors "what are coins with character?" There is no simple answer, but I feel that the coins I sell are blessed with one or more of the following characteristics which makes them special.

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What do Auction Prices Represent?

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What do Auction Prices Represent?

For better or worse, the current market has come to heavily rely on auction prices to determine the value of a wide range of coins. I am often asked: do auction prices represent wholesale or retail? A one word answer: both. The coin market is quite possibly the most transparent market there is in any hobby or collectible. PCGS, NGC, and Heritage provide comprehensive databases for nearly any major issue of United States coin, in a variety of grades. In theory, even an unknowledgeable collector now has access to records which only the most sophisticated dealers and collectors could access as recently as a decade ago.

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No Motto New Orleans Eagles: A Study of Condition Rarity

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No Motto New Orleans Eagles: A Study of Condition Rarity

The No Motto type of Liberty Head eagle was produced at the New Orleans mint from 1841 through 1860. By using CAC population figures, we can get an idea of which dates display condition or appearance rarity. CAC is a service which is rewards good eye appeal, unlike the grading services which are grading more from a technical standpoint.

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Cool Coins from the 2015 ANA: Part Three

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Cool Coins from the 2015 ANA: Part Three

The 1914 eagle has a mintage of just 50 which is the lowest in the series. It seems that a higher percentage of Proofs of this date were saved than in other years, and as many as 30 to 40 are known. Nearly all have been mishandled in some shape or fashion, and my best estimate is that no more than six to eight Matte Proofs of this year are known with original color and surfaces.

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High-Grade No Motto New Orleans Eagles: An Analysis

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High-Grade No Motto New Orleans Eagles: An Analysis

All No Motto eagles are very rare in MS64 and higher grades. Even the common Philadelphia issues which exist by the thousands in circulated and low-end Uncirculated grades are all but unknown in high grades. This is due to a combination of factors: mishandling, use in commerce, melting(s), and lack of collector interest until well into the 20th century.

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