The Very Fine grade has the widest range of numerical grades in the 1 to 70 Sheldon scale that serves as the basis for grading coins today. Grades can range from Very Fine 20 to 35, with the next grade being Extremely Fine 40. It’s a tricky grade in today’s marketplace: well-circulated, but not entry-point; nicely detailed, but with virtually no luster. Here are three Very Fine coins that sold at Heritage’s recent Central States Numismatic Society auction in Schaumburg, Ill. 

The Coin:

1796 Capped Bust, No Stars Gold $2.50 quarter eagle, VF-30

The Price:

$88,125

The Story:

1796 marked the first year that the quarter eagle denomination was struck at the Philadelphia Mint and the mintage of the 1796 Capped Bust, No Stars gold $2.50 quarter eagle was a tiny 963 pieces. 

It has long been coveted by collectors as a rare type coin.

COIN VALUES:  How much is your 1796 Capped Bust quarter eagle worth?

When one sees an old gold coin with this much circulation, the mind wanders, considering the things that this coin has seen and the stories that it could tell. As Heritage observes, “Both sides display unquestionably original ‘old gold’ color with deeper accents within and surrounding the devices,” concluding, “This is an excellent midgrade example of this one-year type.” 

Graded VF-30 by Professional Coin Grading Service, it sold for $88,125, a bit less than the $94,000 it brought when offered in December 2013 at Heritage’s Houston Signature auction.

Keep reading this Market Analysis:

1909-O Indian Head $5 from only year New Orleans Mint struck them

Despite problems, rare 1796 Draped Bust half dollar realizes $42,300

Connect with Coin World:  

• Sign up for our free eNewsletter
• Like us on Facebook  
• Follow us on Twitter

Get our free report:  How to Invest in Rare Coins