What is the value of an 1880 US 5 dollar gold piece?

Answer 1

1933 and earlier gold coins are 90% precious metal. In average condition their retail value is determined by the current price of gold; a metal dealer will pay less.

Look on the back of the coin to see if there's a small mint mark letter below the eagle. It may be blank or there may be a CC or S.

Numismedia lists the following approximate retail values as of 07/2012:

No mint mark (Philadelphia):

Very worn condition - $444

Moderately worn - $462

Slightly worn - $468

Almost no wear - $501

Uncirculated - $544 to $18,230 depending on quality

"CC" mint mark (Carson City):

Very worn - $570

Moderately worn - $750

Slightly worn - $840

Almost no wear - $3,156

Uncirculated - $9,160 to $13,980

"S" mint mark (San Francisco):

Very worn - $444

Moderately worn - $462

Slightly worn - $468

Almost no wear - $488

Uncirculated - $522 to $6,250

DISCLAIMER: The retail values quoted are the best available as of the date shown, but may vary significantly due to changes in the precious metals market. Also the wholesale (buying) price of a coin will be less than the selling (retail) price. A reputable coin dealer will be able to give a more accurate valuation based on inspection of the coin.

Answer

As with any collectible, a primary consideration in determining it�s value is it�s condition (or grade). Novice collectors, with some practice, can become quite accurate in determining grades for circulated coins (G-4 through AU-50). It becomes much more difficult when assigning grades for Uncirculated coins (MS-60 through MS-70) or Proof coins (PF-60 through PF-70) and the assistance of an experienced coin collector or trusted coin dealer should be sought. Another consideration is the whether the coin has a mint mark. A mint mark indicates where the coin was made. D = Denver O = New Orleans S = San Francisco CC = Carson City Coins struck in Philadelphia generally do not bear a mint mark.

There are many Internet and printed resources in helping determine the appropriate grade for a coin. Whichever resource you choose to use, ensure that they follow the grading guidelines established by the American Numismatic Association. The following is a value range for the coin in question (assuming your coin was struck in Philadelphia) and is taken from the Numismatic News Coin Market Montly Price Guide for January 2007:

VF20- $215.00 XF40- $225.00 AU50- $230.00 MS60- $235.00 MS63- $840.00 MS65- $7500.00

Hope this helps.

Mgirard