Re: What's the most valuable coin YOU'VE ever discovered?
Eagles Dancing,
You asked if there are copies of the 1849 ... just google "1849 double eagle proof" and see.
The 1933 will be a problem for you and I told you about all I can. Let's agree to not discuss it further.
The 1849 should not be a problem. Not all gold coins minted prior to 1933 were required to be turned to the government. On the contrary, those that had "numismatic significance" or collector value were exempted. The 1849 has definite numismatic significance and ownership should not be an issue. The known history of the coin (officially designated a pattern, not a coin) is here:
http://www.coinfacts.com/double_eagles/liberty_no_motto_double_eagles/1849_double_eagle.htm. There were two produced ... one is in the Smithsonian and the other was privately sold and is currently unaccounted for. Do you have this second piece? Realistically, probably not. But you need have it evaluated by experts.
What should you do?
1. Handle the coin minimally and only by the edges (cotton gloves preferred)
2. Weigh the coin on a digital scale. The genuine article will weigh 33.4 grams. Copies are usually not gold and will weigh significantly less
3. If it makes weight, get it into a safety deposit box now.
4. Consider getting insurance for it.
5. Contact PCGS via telephone (1-800-447-8848) M-F 7am-5pm PST and explain to them what you have and ask for someone higher up than the customer service desk to direct you on how to proceed. Follow their instructions to the letter.
6. Lastly, keep us up to date on the progress and remember me in your will.
