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Many people become so accustomed to hearing about certified coins that they are tempted to have new gold bullion certified. In addition to discussing the need for certification of new bullion, it is also wise to review first strike gold coins vs. MS69 and MS70 coins.

“First Strike coins” is a term that designates the earliest coins minted for a series or the earliest coins struck from new dies. While both PCGS and NGC refer to such coins, they are mixed in the distinction between first strikes and coins rated MS69 or MS70. The US Mint does not track or ship coins in the order of their production, so it does not recognize a first strike designation.

While it is possible that slight differences exists in coins minted as dies age, that difference would be largely unnoticeable, making a distinction of the early coins moot. The real debate surrounds the need for certified new gold bullion coins in the first place. While investors have grasped the importance of certified rare coins, the value of certification is basically lost on new coins.

New bullion from the US Mint is guaranteed by the US government to be the promised weight and purity. The coins are carefully handled, so it is likely that the vast majority easily falls in the MS69 and MS70 ranges. This means certification of these coins would likely add nothing to their value, but cost around $30 per coin and the price of an annual membership to PCGS or NGC for nothing.

In a discussion of first strike coins vs. MS69 and MS70 gold coins, there is really no decision to be made since there is very little to be gained by certifying new gold bullion. Investors would be wise to use the money they save from not certifying these coins and purchasing extra bullion, creating an expense that could return a strong profit as the market increases. 

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Kevin Johnson

Senior Staff Writer - GoldCoin.net