grading gold Indians

[willbrooks]

Before I spend time taking pictures, does anyone on here have any knowledge on grading for gold $5 Indians? Or have a good reference for it?

[Petespockets55]

Not for gold.
For most denominations, I usually resort to the PCGS pages and look through realized auctions to see what are comparable.
https://www.pcgs.com/prices/detail/indian-5/771/most-active

Or this one(?):

https://www.pcgs.com/coinfacts/category/indian-5-1908-1929/771

Here it is:

https://www.pcgs.com/photograde/#/5ind/grades

.

[willbrooks]

I think I need some words, because I can't tell any difference between those PCGS grades, lol.

[Petespockets55]

I hear ya.
I noticed the eagles shoulder and the feathers covering the
Indian ear seem to show wear in varying degrees on the circ. examples.

[makecents]

Sheeeit! Can't hide that Brooks money.

[WaterSport]

Probably one of the most difficult coins of any to grade. No single source books I know of to reference either.

Bob

[willbrooks]

Here she is. Reverse has a good bit of die abrasion, evident as the scratches go under the devices. I don't have a clue about grade

[Petespockets55]

I thought it was a for sure MS but I can't quite tell if the verticle line of bumps on the decoration over the ear are raised at all or slightly flat/worn. The glare is hiding that part of the design.

The eagle's shoulder feathers seem distinct and separate.

I think this is a MS coin. I just can't really tell how unworn the high points are.

[willbrooks]

I thought it was a for sure MS but I can't quite tell if the verticle line of bumps on the decoration over the ear are raised at all or slightly flat/worn. The glare is hiding that part of the design.

The eagle's shoulder feathers seem distinct and separate.

I think this is a MS coin. I just can't really tell how unworn the high points are.

Thanks, I'll try to get a better shot of that area.

[makecents]

I've always been partial to Morgans, outside of the Lincoln cent but that is a nice looking design and I could learn to like gold if I could afford it. I know little about grading but the high areas look to be in great shape as far as I can tell. The lighting is a little harsh on the obverse though. Is that your blood and tears in the "N" of IN?

[willbrooks]

I've always been partial to Morgans, outside of the Lincoln cent but that is a nice looking design and I could learn to like gold if I could afford it. I know little about grading but the high areas look to be in great shape as far as I can tell. The lighting is a little harsh on the obverse though. Is that your blood and tears in the "N" of IN?

I have always loved coins with Indians on them. For whatever reason, they are appealing to me. This coin was a gift from my father when I was but a boy. He was a carpenter and had a big family, so there was no extra money. Not sure how he afforded to get us each one. He worked hard. Anyway, it used to be in a bezel, but there is no visible damage from that, thank goodness. No idea what that spot on the reverse is or if I'm responsible to putting it there or not. Lol. Dad's still kicking, by the way. Turned 90 this year. I'll try to take a picture with less glare then. I'll probably send it in at some point, just so it is protected from now on. Thanks all for the input so far.

[jfines69]

Ebay shows a NGC in MS-64 that has nicks and dings... Comparing yours to that one I would think yours would easily be a 66 or higher... Beautiful coin!!!

[willbrooks]

Update: I sent it in and this is the result. I'm very happy with the grade. Thanks everyone for chiming in.
Screenshot_20240427-060622.jpg

[rlmillerjr]

Wow Will, that is an awesome coin! Very nice, I am jealous!

[makecents]

Very nice, congrats!