1989 1/2 Ounce American Eagle Gold Coin

[uxler-migration]

I have someone who wants to trade me this 1989 1/2 Ounce American Eagle. This coin is a BU Proof, with COA. I'm having some trouble putting an exact value on it, as I've seen these coins sell for anywhere from $800 to $2000.

 

I'd love to get some opinions on this particular coin. Any comments on potential value and grade would be much appreciated. Thanks.

 

[TomB]

It's a proof, not a "BU Proof". BU (brilliant uncirculated) and proof are two different methods of manufacture. A coin cannot be both BU and proof. A search of completed ebay sales would be the best method, by far, to tell you what these sell for in the market.

[FishyOne]

These are bringing about $900 retail recently. No way to grade these from pics. Nearly all will go 68, 69, or 70.

[uxler-migration]

Thanks for clarifying that Tom.

 

I've seen most eBay auctions going in the $900 range but there are a few with higher BIN prices, usually graded coins. If I were to get the coin graded, how would it affect retail value? Assuming the coin scores 68, 69 or 70...

 

Here's an example of a graded one with a BIN at $1,500: http://item.mobileweb.ebay.com/viewitem?itemId=170881568045&index=0&nav=SEARCH&nid=12875651467

 

[FishyOne]

The linked coin is a unc (MS) piece. Yours is a proof.

 

As a general rule, you need a 70 grade to justify the cost of certification and this coin is no exception.

 

P.S. That BIN price is nuts.

[uxler-migration]

Thanks for all the input. So it's safe to say the coin is worth about $900 ungraded? How much would it be worth if it was graded at 70?

[mkman123]

900+ easily due to premium

[uxler-migration]

Am I safe to assume that even if graded a 70, this is not $1300-1500 coin like the owner claims?

[James_OldeTowne]

These are bringing about $900 retail recently. No way to grade these from pics. Nearly all will go 68, 69, or 70.

To put a fine point on it, this is not an offer to buy, but today at this moment, I'd give you $890 for it. So yeah, $900 is an excellent estimate.

 

Incidentally, we sell them today, at this moment, for $926. That's right, a measly 4% profit.

[Bruceswar]

These are bringing about $900 retail recently. No way to grade these from pics. Nearly all will go 68, 69, or 70.

To put a fine point on it, this is not an offer to buy, but today at this moment, I'd give you $890 for it. So yeah, $900 is an excellent estimate.

 

Incidentally, we sell them today, at this moment, for $926. That's right, a measly 4% profit.

 

You think that is bad... try a 100oz Silver bar... I bought one today and made 50 cents over what I paid for a customer... sooo Spend 2780 to make a total of 2830.. Minus gas, time, etc... make way less than 50 bucks!