Multiple methods offered

State quarter dollars, painted or plated with gold or other precious metals, have been often heavily marketed as “investment” pieces. But are they?

Item offered in Goldberg's Sept. 4 to 5 Pre-Long Beach auction

Some reasons for variance

Auction features British sovereign coins, patterns and trial strikes

Silver coin common, historical

No commemorative for U.S. Navy

Presentation cases scarce

Expert should authenticate

Key clue to variation is u in united