Finding Years in the making and pretty much done now – my US Gold Type Set in the Wild: A Cherry Picker’s Guide
February 3, 2026Unlocking the Market Value of the 1795 Half Dime: A Victim of Theft and Rarity
February 3, 2026
When Gold’s Glitter Outshines Its Government Stamp
There’s a secret thrill every coin collector knows—that moment when you realize the metal in your palm is worth more than the number stamped on its face. Today, we’re diving into Lordmarcovan’s breathtaking US Gold Type Set (post-1834) to explore where bullion value and numismatic passion collide. Forget dry spreadsheets—this is treasure hunting meets financial wisdom, served with genuine collector’s zeal.
The Alchemist’s Dream: Weighing Historical Gold
Holding these 14 coins (commemoratives aside) isn’t just handling history—it’s clutching 22.56 grams of pure gold per piece on average. Let’s decode their physical poetry:
Golden Arithmetic by Denomination
- Gold Dollars (Type 1-3): 1.53g of sunshine each (90% pure, but 100% charm)
- $2.50 Quarter Eagles: 3.66g – where Liberty’s profile sharpens the luster
- $3 Princess: 4.80g of numismatic magic (the belle of the gold ball)
- $5 Half Eagles: 7.52g – enough heft to feel history’s weight
- $10 Eagles: 15.05g – the workhorse of pre-Fed commerce
- $20 Double Eagles: 30.09g – the king whose strike still echoes in vaults
“Before 2022, I couldn’t even dream of owning a Double Eagle’s clipping!”
– Lordmarcovan on collecting’s humbling journey
The Collector’s Gambit: Buying When Others Hesitated
Timing isn’t everything in numismatics—it’s the only thing. By assembling this set during 2022-2023’s gold price calm ($1,800-$2,000/oz), our collector positioned himself perfectly for today’s $4,200+/oz tempest. Smart? That’s like calling a 1913 Liberty Nickel ‘spare change.’
How Spot Price Swings Rewarded Wisdom
- Type 3 Gold Dollar (1856-1889): Melt value leaped from ~$110 to ~$250 – but its patina? Priceless
- Liberty $20 Double Eagle: Bullion surge (~$1,800 to ~$4,000+) proves gold’s timeless language
- St. Gaudens $20 (MS62): Even ‘common’ dates doubled – a victory lap for patient stackers
Where Metal Meets Mystique: The Numismatic Tightrope
This set isn’t just gold—it’s a masterclass in balancing bullion basics with collector psychology. Study these moves:
Grade Choices That Speak Volumes
- AU58 Gold Dollars: Captured the lion’s share of eye appeal without MS-grade premiums
- XF40 Classic Heads: Worn enough to whisper stories, pristine enough to hold weight
- MS Liberty $10: Full melt value plus that irreplaceable mint-state glow
“Timing the gold market? Pure luck. Building a type set during a dip? That’s numismatic instinct.”
– Collector’s humble-brag decoded
The Great Balancing Act: Bullion vs. Collector Premiums
Let’s crunch February 2026’s numbers—but remember, true value lives beyond spreadsheets:
| Coin Type | Qty | Pure Gold (g) | Melt Value (@$4,200/oz) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gold Dollars | 3 | 4.59g | $675 |
| $2.50 | 3 | 10.98g | $1,614 |
| $3 | 1 | 4.80g | $706 |
| $5 | 3 | 22.56g | $3,316 |
| $10 | 2 | 30.10g | $4,425 |
| $20 | 2 | 60.18g | $8,847 |
| Total | 14 | 132.21g | $19,436 |
Numismatic premiums? They’re the wild card—adding 15-300% for rare varieties like the 1856 Type 2 Gold Dollar (a date that makes specialists weak-kneed).
Guarding Your Golden Legacy: Practical Wisdom
Lordmarcovan’s playbook offers brass-tacks advice for preserving wealth:
- Denomination Diversity: From pocket-change gold dollars to wallet-straining double eagles—liquidity options for any crisis
- Third-Party Slabs: NGC/PCGS holders aren’t just plastic—they’re authenticity force fields
- Bank Vaults > Basement Safes: Because true peace of mind has monthly rental fees
“Safe deposit boxes keep my treasures safe—and my insurance agent sane”
– Every smart collector’s unspoken mantra
The Numismatic X-Factor: When History Outpaces Gold
While melt value anchors this set, certain stars transcend bullion math:
- 1899 DE Liberty $20 (NGC MS63): A condition census darling where strike quality multiplies value
- Type 1 Gold Dollar (AU58): PQ (Premium Quality) for the grade—the kind that makes bidders lean forward
- Indian Princess $3: Its unusual denomination whispers ‘collectibility’ to specialists
Conclusion: Two Treasures in One Palm
What Lordmarcovan’s built isn’t just a gold position—it’s a time machine with a 4.25 troy ounce payload. Each coin serves double duty: inflation hedge and historical artifact. Sure, he claims “enjoyment” as his main dividend, but let’s toast his collector’s intuition. For when gold sleeps, numismatic potential stirs. And in this set? Both are wide awake.
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