I have been a very casual collector; basically doing it for fun.  Well, a couple weeks ago I went home and visited my parents.  My mother knew I was collecting and we went thru the coin hoard that my step-grandfather had.  She gave me this 1986 Gold Eagle $25 gold coin.  I traveled back home and did some research, not really know much about this coin.  After researching, I was shocked!  Last week I sent it in to NGC.  Today I received the completion email.  NGC graded it at MS-68; valued at $875.00.  I was hoping for MS-69 (or 70 - haha), but I will take the 68.  This is my first time sending in a coin for grading and encapsulating.  The process was quick, fairly inexpensive, and I'll do it again if the right coin comes around again.