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How to Rate U.S. Gold Coins

U.S. gold coins are a popular collector's item due to the generally stable price of gold over time and interest in the historical value of the coins. According to the website U.S. Gold Coins.com, the average coin gained over 200 percent in value per year between 1977 and 1980. Over time, the value of U.S. gold coins generally continues to appreciate, although all markets have ups and downs. It is important to know how to rate U.S. gold coins before collecting or selling these items.

Instructions

- 1
  Establish the age of the coin. Older coins will carry a higher rating than newer coins. Most U.S. gold coins have the issue year on the face of the coin. Older coins that are also part of a rare batch, such as double eagle coins, carry even higher ratings. The double eagle coins were issued in 1933, but most were melted down by the government, resulting in only a few coins left in circulation. These coins are highly rated.
- 2
  Evaluate the condition of the coin. If a coin is damaged, dirty or worn, the rating will be lower than coins that are in good or mint condition.
- 3
  Find the number of coins originally minted. Look up the coin in a U.S. coin catalog, available at your local bookstore, library or online, to find the batch number. If there are a large number of coins in circulation that match that number, the rating will be lower.
- 4
  Determine the rarity of the coin. This corresponds with the number of coins from the original batch. Rare coins are highly sought after, and therefore highly rated.
- 5
  Learn which coins carry the most value on the market. Double eagle coins tend to carry the highest value, followed by eagle coins, half eagles, gold pieces, and quarter eagles. Take the coins to a coin collector or dealer for additional value and rating information.

Coin Collecting