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HomeClassic US Gold Coins: What's Hot and What's Not - 2021 Edition

Classic US Gold Coins: What’s Hot and What’s Not – 2021 Edition

By Doug WinterRareGoldCoins.com ……
CoinWeek Content Partner
With a few exceptions, I’ve written a “hot/not” article at the end of the year for the better part of the last decade.

Some years this is an exercise in futility because everything seems tepid from a price standpoint. And during strong markets, I think it looks disingenuous to state that everything is hot and that nothing (with the exception of Indian Head quarter eagles and Type Two double eagles, two market segments that appear to be in semi-permanent death spirals) is in the dumps, price-wise.

2020 should have been a horrible year for the coin market but, in a huge surprise, it was one of the better years in recent memory. With the supply chain in the coin market severely impacted by the worldwide pandemic, dealers had to become extremely clever to locate good coins. It is my impression that a number of market segments saw 5-20+% price increases, but these were very subtle as price reporting mechanisms remained ineffective and many didn’t reflect these obvious strengths.

You’ll note some surprising areas of strength in my list below as well as some weak or flat areas that I’d predict that many casual observers were not aware of.

HOT: Finest Known and Condition Census Liberty Head Quarter Eagles

There are a number of business strike quarter eagle dates that saw all-time auction price records in late 2019 and 2020. These include 1850, 1854, 1854-S, 1861 New Reverse, 1862, 1863 (Proof), 1865, 1865-S, 1870-S, 1875, 1878-S, 1889, and 1893.

I’ve paid record prices for at least 20 different-date Liberty Head quarter eagles, but there wasn’t a single coin in this record-setting group that I bought (I did set a few record prices via private treaty sales in 2020).

1850 $2.50 PCGS MS63+ CAC. Images courtesy Douglas Winter Numismatics (DWN)

1850 $2.50 PCGS MS63+ CAC. Images courtesy Douglas Winter Numismatics (DWN)

I can think of at least a half dozen very serious collectors of Liberty Head quarter eagles who are currently seeking finest known or high Condition Census pieces. Unlike large-size gold coins of this era, you can swim in the deep end of the quarter eagle pool for $20,000-40,000 in many cases.

Something else is happening in the quarter eagle series which deserves mention: the high prices and strong demand are more for the formerly unpopular San Francisco and Philadelphia issues.

NOT: Common Date Small Denomination Proof Gold

Proof Gold Dollar - Images courtesy Douglas Winter Numismatics (DWN)If you pay careful attention to auction catalogs and to dealer’s websites, you’ll no doubt notice a lot of common date small size Proof gold, including some in very high grades. By “common date” I am referring to gold dollars from 1884 through 1889, and quarter eagles from the mid-1890s through 1907.

For some reason—possibly the release of a large hoard—there seem to have been tons of unusually nice common date Proof gold dollars and quarter eagles on the market in 2020. These were coins in the PR66 to PR68 range; many with lovely Deep Cameo contrast and CAC approval.

I am an avid buyer of rare date Proof gold dollars (those struck prior to 1882) and quarter eagles (those struck prior to 1890), but I tend to avoid the common dates in uncommon grades as I personally feel they are overvalued.

Let’s take a quick look at one common date: the 1900 quarter eagle. In the last three years, there are no fewer than eight APRs for Proof-66 through Proof-68 examples. Prices have declined by 10-15% and the only pieces that have retained most of their value are those that are CAC-approved.

HOT: Collector-Quality Charlotte and Dahlonega Gold

The market for collector quality Charlotte and Dahlonega gold has seen a real spike in interest in the last few years. (I often use the expression “collector quality” and in this case, I am referring to nice, problem-free C+D mint coins in the VF/EF/lower AU grade range).

While C+D gold dollars aren’t in strong demand, quarter eagles and half eagles are.

1847-C $2.50 PCGS EF40 CAC. Images courtesy Doug Winter

1847-C $2.50 PCGS EF40 CAC

Let’s look at the common date 1847-C quarter eagle in PCGS EF40. If I go back to my records for 2014, I note that I was able to buy three examples in the $1,150-1,350 range. In 2020 I purchased two and had to pay $1,950 and $2,150.

How about an 1854-D half eagle in PCGS in VF35? Five years ago, I was able to buy these in the $1,100-1,300 range. Today, my cost is more like $1,600-1,800.

I’d estimate that C+D quarter eagles and half eagles appreciated by around 10-15% in 2019/2020 and that this range is probably even greater for choice, high-end CAC coins in EF and AU.

NOT: Commercial-Quality Early Gold

1806 ROUND 6 $5.00 IN PCGS AU55 CAC. Image courtesy Doug WinterOne of the many positive things that CAC has done for the coin market in its 10+ years is to quantify condition rarity. It has shown, for example, that many early gold coins are either over-graded or have been tampered with. Even issues such as an 1806 Round 6 half eagle in AU55 which is a comparatively common coin becomes scarce in CAC-approved AU55.

1806 ROUND 6 $5.00 IN PCGS AU55 CAC

The price differential between CAC-quality and commercial-quality early gold has really increased during the last few years. If available, a CAC-approved PCGS AU55 1806 Round 6 would likely run around $11,000-12,000. Interestingly, an unappealing PCGS MS61 example of this issue would sell for just a small premium (if that) over a choice CAC approved AU55.

Commercial quality early gold rarities seem weak right now as well. This is especially true for early eagles which tend to come with a scrubby appearance more often than quarter eagles and half eagles of this era. A coin like a 1795 $10 in low-end AU58 dropped at least 10% in value in 2020. Unless, of course, it were CAC-approved; these are in very strong demand and they command a very high premium.

Given the fact that there were significant numbers of low-end Uncirculated early half eagles and eagles for sale in 2020, I think it is likely that these will continue to dip in price and that nice CAC-approved examples will command premiums as high as 30-40%.

HOT: Rare Date Liberty Head Eagles

Around six to eight years ago, Liberty Head eagles (especially the No Motto issues from 1838 to 1866) hit a tipping point in which they went from Cult Collectible to Popular Series. This was due to the fact that rare Liberty Head double eagles became too expensive for most collectors, and eagles were the next best series in terms of size.

1838 $10. Images courtesy Doug Winter

In 2017 and 2018, this series saw real price appreciation. The Admiral Collection, sold by Heritage in February 2018, was a record-setting auction with dozens of new price records for the series, including a number of records that will probably never be broken.

I don’t think prices in this series saw big increases in 2020 (certainly not at the levels seen in 2017 and 2018) but the demand for good quality No Motto Liberty Head eagles was strong in 2020.

I think the market will continue to be strong for these coins in 2021. I think there are pockets of weakness (the late date New Orleans issues from 1888 through 1906 in grades through MS63 seem to lack strength right now), but there seems to be a real lack of supply in the No Motto issues.

NOT: Trophy Coins

MCMVII+(1907)+High+Relief+St.+Gaudens+$20

I define a “Trophy Coin” as something which is big, beautiful, and easy for the deep-pocketed collector or investor with only basic numismatic experience to appreciate. Examples of Trophy Coins include High Relief Double Eagles, Pan-Pac $50 Round and Octagonal, 1907 Wire Edge Indian Head eagles, and 1879 Flowing Hair Stellas.

In 2019, an average quality PCGS MS63 1907 Wire Edge High Relief $20 typically sold for around $20,000. In late 2019/early 2020 a substantial hoard of High Reliefs in MS63 through MS65 came onto the market and prices dropped to $14,000-15,000 by the middle of 2020. Prices rose slightly towards the end of the year but these are likely to remain flat in 2021.

The popular and beautiful 1915-S Pan-Pac Octagonal $50 saw price weakness in MS63 and MS64 grades in 2020. Prices were down around 10-15% from their 2018/2019 levels. This was due to a large number of coins being available. It should be noted that nice quality PCGS/CAC coins in this grade range did a better job of holding their value.

The same can be said for PR63 and PR64 1879 Flowing Hair Stellas. While always in demand, these do not offer the same degree of value as do other gold coins in this price range. For $150,000-200,000, you can buy three or four incredible Finest Known or high Condition Census Liberty Head half eagles and/or eagles, or you can buy an average quality Stella. In 2021, it’s pretty clear that the majority of potential buyers at this price point will choose the former.

My instinct tells me that Trophy Coins will continue to show weakness in 2021 unless the abundant supply dries up. Nice CAC-approved examples of these issues are another story and while I don’t necessarily want to buy them for my inventory, I wouldn’t be opposed to buying a nice PCGS/CAC MS64 High Relief double eagle.

HOT: Carson City Double Eagles

From the early part of the 2010s through the middle of 2017, Carson City double eagles saw an almost continual increase in price. Prices increased for both common dates and scarce dates. Two random examples: from early 2010 to 2018, a PCGS AU53 1872-CC increased in value from $9,000 to $15,000, while a more common date, the 1884-CC in PCGS AU58 increased from $4,500 in early 2010 to $8,000 by the beginning of 2018.

Large numbers of common date CC double eagles came into the market around the middle of 2018 and common dates—such as the 1884-CC—dropped dramatically in price. By late 2019/early 2020, these had dropped down to the low $4,000s. Savvy gold coin buyers, myself included, became interested in 1884-CC twenties at $4,250 if for no other reason than they just seemed like really good value.

As 2020 came to a close, I noted an increase of around 10% for common date CC double eagles in most grades. I can easily see these coins gaining another 10% in 2021. I believe that this will also be the case for scarcer dates, especially for coins which have CAC stickers.

From an overall perspective, 2020 will go down in history as a year of surprises in the rare coin market. Considering that there were essentially no shows and travel was extremely limited, a lot of business occurred and the savvier wholesale and retail dealers put up excellent numbers.

I think 2021 will be a repeat of 2020. I can’t imagine that we will see any major shows until Summer ANA, and it will remain challenging for dealers such as me to source good coins to offer to our clients.
What was your perspective on the year 2020 as it related to rare coins? I’d love to hear your comments and invite you to start a conversation below.

Doug Winter Numismatics, specialists in U.S. gold coins

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About Doug Winter

Doug_Winter2Doug has spent much of his life in the field of numismatics; beginning collecting coins at the age of seven, and by the time he was 10 years old, buying and selling coins at conventions in the New York City area.

In 1989, he founded Douglas Winter Numismatics, and his firm specializes in buying and selling choice and rare US Gold coins, especially US gold coins and all branch mint material.

Recognized as one of the leading specialized numismatic firms, Doug is an award-winning author of over a dozen numismatic books and the recognized expert on US Gold. His knowledge and an exceptional eye for properly graded and original coins have made him one of the most respected figures in the numismatic community and a sought after dealer by collectors and investors looking for professional personalized service, a select inventory of impeccable quality, and fair and honest pricing. Doug is also a major buyer of all US coins and is always looking to purchase collections both large and small. He can be reached at (214) 675-9897.

Doug has been a contributor to the Guidebook of United States Coins (also known as the “Redbook”) since 1983, Walter Breen’s Encyclopedia of United States and Colonial Coins, Q. David Bowers’ Encyclopedia of United States Silver Dollars and Andrew Pollock’s United States Pattern and Related Issues

In addition, he has authored 13 books on US Gold coins including:
  • Gold Coins of the New Orleans Mint: 1839-1909
  • Gold Coins of the Carson City Mint: 1870 – 1893
  • Gold Coins of the Charlotte Mint: 1838-1861
  • Gold Coins of the Dahlonega Mint 1838-1861
  • The United States $3 Gold Pieces 1854-1889
  • Carson City Gold Coinage 1870-1893: A Rarity and Condition Census Update
  • An Insider’s Guide to Collecting Type One Double Eagles
  • The Connoisseur’s Guide to United States Gold Coins
  • A Collector’s Guide To Indian Head Quarter Eagles
  • The Acadiana Collection of New Orleans Coinage
  • Type Three Double Eagles, 1877-1907: A Numismatic History and Analysis
  • Gold Coins of the Dahlonega Mint, 1838-1861: A Numismatic History and Analysis
  • Type Two Double Eagles, 1866-1876: A Numismatic History and Analysis

Finally, Doug is a member of virtually every major numismatic organization, professional trade group and major coin association in the US.

 

Doug Winter
Doug Winterhttps://www.raregoldcoins.com
Doug Winter founded Douglas Winter Numismatics (DWN) in 1985. The nationally renowned firm specializes in buying and selling rare United States gold coins. He has written over a dozen books, including the standard references on Charlotte, Dahlonega, and New Orleans gold coinage, and Type 1 Liberty Head Double Eagles. Douglas has also contributed to the A Guidebook of United States Coins, Walter Breen’s Encyclopedia of United States and Colonial Coins, Q. David Bowers’ Encyclopedia of United States Silver Dollars, and Andrew Pollock’s United States Pattern and Related Issues. He is a member of the PNG, the ANA, the ANS, the NLG, CAC, PCGS, and NGC - among other professional affiliations. Contact Doug Winter at [email protected].

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6 COMMENTS

  1. Would love a clarification about Indian Head Quarter Eagles. At least to PCGS price guide for these coins the price of these coins has been slowly rising in 2020 from a low in the late 1990’s and early 2000’s. It hasn’t been continuous but overall a gradual increase. This result when I clicked the price history for those below MS 60 grade. However, the history of the prices go back to 1998. Were these coins far better decades ago?

    Personally I think it is a great coin for those rather new to collecting gold Pre-1933 American coins to acquire. Especially those of us with more limited budgets than the audience your articles seems to be directed to. Why? They are very attractive coins, you can get an AU grade for many years without spending over $600, the coin design is ground-breaking in American numismatics, and , ironically, if the Indian Head Quarter Eagles are falling in popularity then it is a coin likely to be melted during times gold is high, thereby reducing the population and making them scarce or rare.

    Anyway, all I ask is clarification as I may be looking at to short a time span to understand your conclusion, you may be speaking of Proof coins versus business strike, or another reason I may miss as I am a rather new numismatist. Thanks for the great article.

    • Chris, one thing I have learned is that the PCGS price guide and the NGC price charts can be wrong on the absolute level of price movements even if they get the relative trend right over a longer period of time.

      Best to check actual auction prices and see if it matches up. Not familiar with Indian Heads so I can’t comment on recent price moves let alone prices from 20 years ago.

      I find that the price guides/charts are most accurate when looking back 3-5 years.

      • Thanks for the advice. Very helpful for someone who is on a budget and the Pre-1933 gold denominations within reach are mainly the more common $1, $2.5, and $5. Higher denominations are possible for me but it require several years to save for one while pursuing other numismatic goals concurrently.

        Will check the auction prices, I note the PCGS and NCG sites do offer that (and if you click on the prices or other point you can get a 20 year chart of prices) as well as auction house sites. Much to learn from!

        • I’m active over on the NGC and CoinTalk forums, BTW. Great discussions at both on the stuff you are interested in, if you’re not there, come on over !

  2. Doug, excellent article. Could you elaborate here or in a future article about your comments on 1907 High Relief Saints:

    “…In late 2019/early 2020 a substantial hoard of High Reliefs in MS63 through MS65 came onto the market and prices dropped to $14,000-15,000 by the middle of 2020.”

    1907 Saint HR’s have been falling in price for years as alot of the numismatic premium faded (except for MS-66’s and higher). I am unaware of any “hoard” that hit the market in recent years. It is possible that large numbers of the coins are in “weak hands” — inheritors or estates who don’t want to hold the coins after being in the family for decades or more — and if that is the case, we can expect this to continue for some time.

    It’s not a hoard per se but more like a slow drip…drip…drip. At least, that’s how I see it.

    Interested to hear what you hear from your dealer connections. Thanks !

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