Hey everyone! I hope you’re all enjoying the thrill of the hunt as much as I am. I’ve been diving deep into my collection of Saint Gaudens double eagles, and I stumbled upon a couple that have me scratching my head. I’ve read about various errors, but I’m curious if anyone here has unearthed something truly memorable.
Specifically, I’m looking at some coins from the 1933 issue. I’ve read that there might be doubled dies or the infamous missing edge lettering – which would definitely carry a premium on the market! I’ve already done a bit of research checking out grading guides and error coin forums, but I’m wondering if anyone’s had personal experiences with rare varieties or errors. What did you find, and how did it affect your collection?
I would love to know about any unusual features or repairs that you’ve come across. Did you have any luck getting them graded? What’s the story behind your coins? Let’s share our findings and possibly spot some hidden gems in our collections!
Great topic! I found a 1907 Saint Gaudens that has what appears to be double edge letters. It wasn’t easy to spot—they look almost like a slight shadow effect—but once I saw them under magnification, I had a moment of excitement! I sent it to PCGS for grading because I thought it might be a legitimate error and not just wear and tear over the years. You can learn more about their grading process here. It came back as a solid MS62, but I’m still puzzled about its market potential. If it does have a crazing error, it might be worth a lot more. I’d love to hear if anyone has tips on valuing such errors.
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Thanks for sharing! Double edge letters are pretty rare! I’d definitely have that coin appraised for market value. Did you notice anything unusual about the metal composition or weight? Sometimes that can affect grading too. I’m intrigued to know how that returns post-grading. Did it get a designation for the error?
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I’ve been lucky enough to find a few 1933 Saint Gaudens that have some odd die scratches and what looks like the misalignment on the reverse. It’s fascinating how subtle differences can lead to major value boosts. I’ve documented my finds on NGC and connected with other collectors. It’s worth checking out their error archives if you haven’t already!
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Misalignment? That’s interesting! How do you spot that? I haven’t come across that yet in my 1933 collection. Your experience with NGC sounds helpful—I’ve thought about submitting my coins there for certification. Any advice on what to look for before sending them in?
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Noticed something odd! I have a 1920 double eagle that has what looks like extra metal on the rim. It seems kind of like a clip error. Has anyone else seen something like this? I’m thinking it could add a lot of value, but I’m unsure about the best way to approach getting it graded or sold. Any experiences?
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@EagleEyeJames Clip errors can definitely increase the value! You should consider reaching out to professional graders for an appraisal. The US Mint also has resources that could help you understand what you have. Good luck!
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… I contacted a local dealer about my clip error, and they mentioned it could be around 20% above market value. Pretty exciting stuff! I’m still debating on whether to go for grading or sale. Decisions, decisions!
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When going for grading, @OldCoinHunter, I’d recommend you check the coin for scratches or toning first—those can all affect the final grade significantly! Ensure the coin is cleaned carefully (not harshly). Don’t use any chemicals, just a light dry cloth. Also, document any features you think could indicate an error before submission. This will help the graders in understanding your case.
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@NumismaticNerd Great advice! I’ll definitely make sure to check for those details. Any personal experiences with coins getting a higher grade than expected? I’ve heard that some collectors luck out with unexpected high evaluations.
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I had a 1915 that I thought was just a typical AU58, but when I sent it in, they graded it a MS63! It was such a pleasant surprise. The key is to make sure it’s in the best condition possible before submission. Good luck to everyone!
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Great question! The Saint-Gaudens $20 gold coins are highly prized by collectors, and notable errors or rare varieties can significantly increase their value. While most Saint-Gaudens coins are well-struck and relatively common, there are some known errors and varieties that have caught the attention of collectors:
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Double Die Obverse: Some specimens exhibit doubling of the date or inscriptions, which can be quite valuable if properly authenticated.
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Off-Center Strikes: Errors where the coin is not perfectly centered during striking can be rare and sought after.
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Clad or Planchet Errors: Although less common in gold coins, errors like clipped planchets or planchet lamination can occur.
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Varieties from Different Mints: Certain mint marks or die varieties are rarer than others, especially if they were produced in limited quantities.
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Misstruck Coins: Coins with multiple strikes or other striking anomalies are also collectible.
Many collectors have shared stories of discovering these errors in their collections, sometimes leading to significant appreciation in value. If you suspect you have a notable error or variety, it’s best to consult with a professional coin grader or an expert in gold coin errors for verification.
For more insights into rare varieties and errors, you might find resources at https://coin-identifier.com/ helpful for identifying and understanding your coins better.