Somewhat interesting pair of PCGS holders (Proof Buffalo)
U1chicago
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Can anyone find more examples like the below?
Here we have a pair of 2001 Silver Proof Buffalos. Both are in a PCGS Gen 4.0 holder (1998-2002), which is the earliest possible holder for these coins. We also see that one is a 7 digit cert number while the other has 8 digits.
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I have a pair in these same holders. Both have 8 digit serial numbers that start with 7004.
If you check the holder museum, they call out the shift from 4.0 to 4.1 to include the barcode moving from front to back, but also the 8-digit cert#.
Then they ruin it with the 4.0 example having 8 digits!
John's Old SlabHolders isn't much better. The cert number change just isn't something anyone has focused on.
ANA 50 year/Life Member (now "Emeritus")
@BStrauss3 I looked at those spots as well and did not see any mention of when the 7 to 8 digit change happened. Maybe there is a thread somewhere on the forums that someone is aware of where this was previously discussed?
I also find interesting that some later variety holders have serial numbers that are lower that those of the previous variety.
God bless all who believe in him. Do unto others what you expect to be done to you. Dubbed a "Committee Secret Agent" by @mr1931S on 7/23/24. Founding member of CU Anti-Troll League since 9/24/24.
Could have been reholdered for some reason?
The change from 7 to 8 digit cert #s came around December 2001. Gen 4.0 holders with 8-digit cert #s were only made for a few months and are far scarcer than Gen 4.0 holders with with 7-digit cert #s.
I am NOT an expert at detecting counterfeits. That said, a quick search revealed the following items currently being offered on eBay.
7-digit cert numbers: 3719064, 3741627
8-digit cert numbers: 21003131, 70046638
FWIW, there were other examples that I did not link.
Edited for typos, and to add the following composite image.
Picture above shows 5 gen 4.0 holders with 8-digit serial #s (all from same invoice). I submitted these myself and still have paperwork.
PCGS was running low on 7-digit cert #s (only 10M available), hence made the change to 8-digit.