Oh Robert......aren't you a cynical one. You are clearly blinded by your attitude towards moderns and bullion. The truth is this is a hallmark achievement in the world of Numismatics.
What exactly is "First Strike" supposed to mean, anyway? Are they just the first bunch of strikes off a particular pair of dies, or each of the first strikes from all the dies used, or something else entirely?
<< <i>What exactly is "First Strike" supposed to mean, anyway? Are they just the first bunch of strikes off a particular pair of dies, or each of the first strikes from all the dies used, or something else entirely? >>
Hey Pipe. Now why are you bringing real numismatics into this. After all, using the real definition just makes this whole fiasco screw the pooch (ooohhh, I'm so sorry about that choice of words) even more.
Here is PCGS's definition: First Strike - A coin struck early in the life of a die. First strikes sometimes are characterized by striated or mirror-like fields if the die was polished. Almost always fully or well struck, with crisp detail.
It sure is, but, in 5 years when you sell a 2005 SAE MS69 in a slab on ebay, which do you think will get more $$$$??? The "First Strike" just because it says that. Many uneducated (in numismatics) people buy on ebay and will pay more for that. Mark my words on that
I agree with all said, but I do think the grading services need to get off their duffs and start slabbing die varieties with the die state of the coin. Until you know what early die state and late die state are and have seen the difference, there's no way you could understand...but believe me, they are VERY different.
The whole "first strike" thing is absurd. Perhaps they should just call it what it really is - early die state. At least they would be closer to being numismatically correct, and not just the marketing savvy company we already know they are.
Are people here saying that the mighty PCGS invented the "first strike" designation just to help sell common coins for a premium on eBay or where other gullible buyers are found? I think of the Jessica Lynch, Gerald Ford, WTC, and Donald Trump slabs.
Has anyone heard how long PCGS will continue to issue "first dtrike" designations for bullion coins? I suspect that by now there are so many SAE coins struck that if PCGS continues designating such coins made through the end of next month that the "first strike" designation will be almost meaningless. If they could ascertain that coins with this designation were made from the frst die pair or from the first few strikes of a new die pair, this designation might be meaninful for some collectors.
I doubt that PCGS will find it advantageous to note "last strike" on a slab insert, implying that a coin was struck before the tired dies were finally put out to pasture, but I would perversely like to own a coin certified as such, and have seen a few deserving of the "last strike" designation.
"Never attribute to malice what can be adequately explained by stupidity" - Hanlon's Razor
If I remember correctly, PCGS stated they would be issuing "first strike" designated coins for those struck in Jan. How about when new dies are used, such as in Aug? Does this apply to a pair of fresh dies, or does it count when they only replace a single die? How many coins from a pair of dies qualify as "first strike?" Shouldn't they ONLY use this desgination for the VERY FIRST coin struck from a SINGLE pair of dies? I'd rather have an MS 69/70 instead of a 67/68 "first strike" coin because of planchet mis-handling or bag marks. I might buy a single coin for my wife's MS set jsut so she can see the BS and hype this market offers. She already has the World Trade coin, PCGS member coin, the "baggy" MS 69 coin, regular MS 69 coin, now shouldn't she have one of these "rare" coins to have a complete set? Am I missing any others? Ray
You only live life once, enjoy it like it's your last day. It just MIGHT be!
In this particular case, "first strike" has nothing to do with die state. The "First Strike" designation being given to the bullion is for coins struck in January. Even the last coins produced off of a die pair in January qualify for the "First Strike" designation.
Ordinarily, "first strike" are used to refer to pieces made early in the life of the die pair.
Here is PCGS's definition: <STRONG>First Strike</STRONG> - A coin struck early in the life of a die. First strikes sometimes are characterized by striated or mirror-like fields if the die was polished. Almost always fully or well struck, with crisp detail. >>
And all these years they have been mis describing Morgan dollars as prooflike when they should be calling them First Strikes.
Always took candy from strangers Didn't wanna get me no trade Never want to be like papa Working for the boss every night and day --"Happy", by the Rolling Stones (1972)
The first coin struck from a brand new pair of dies would be a "first strike". Every coin struck thereafter from this die pair would be a 2nd thru gazillionth strike. Yup, PCGS knows how to market a product-which they certainly should. Good investment?? I can't answer that any better than anyone else. Might be good for CLCT stock.
I'm the Proud recipient of a genuine "you suck" award dated 1/24/05. I was accepted into the "Circle of Trust" on 3/9/09.
Comments
DUH!
<< <i>What exactly is "First Strike" supposed to mean, anyway? Are they just the first bunch of strikes off a particular pair of dies, or each of the first strikes from all the dies used, or something else entirely? >>
Hey Pipe. Now why are you bringing real numismatics into this. After all, using the real definition just makes this whole fiasco screw the pooch (ooohhh, I'm so sorry about that choice of words) even more.
Here is PCGS's definition:
First Strike - A coin struck early in the life of a die. First strikes sometimes are characterized by striated or mirror-like fields if the die was polished. Almost always fully or well struck, with crisp detail.
Sorry to say it, but "duh"
The "First Strike" just because it says that. Many uneducated (in numismatics) people buy on ebay and will pay more for that. Mark my words on that
I've been told I tolerate fools poorly...that may explain things if I have a problem with you. Current ebay items - Nothing at the moment
They're not going to come out with a "Massive Retaliation" designation, are they?
Obscurum per obscurius
The whole "first strike" thing is absurd. Perhaps they should just call it what it really is - early die state. At least they would be closer to being numismatically correct, and not just the marketing savvy company we already know they are.
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Has anyone heard how long PCGS will continue to issue "first dtrike" designations for bullion coins? I suspect that by now there are so many SAE coins struck that if PCGS continues designating such coins made through the end of next month that the "first strike" designation will be almost meaningless. If they could ascertain that coins with this designation were made from the frst die pair or from the first few strikes of a new die pair, this designation might be meaninful for some collectors.
I doubt that PCGS will find it advantageous to note "last strike" on a slab insert, implying that a coin was struck before the tired dies were finally put out to pasture, but I would perversely like to own a coin certified as such, and have seen a few deserving of the "last strike" designation.
Check my ebay BIN or Make Offers!!
<< <i>This "First Strike" designation is a marketing gimmick
No? >>
Yes.
Great transactions with oih82w8, JasonGaming, Moose1913.
Ordinarily, "first strike" are used to refer to pieces made early in the life of the die pair.
WH
Will there be "Second Strike" coins slabbed next month and "Third Time is the Charm Strike" coins in March?
The first coin off a die pair.
How can the second and subsequent coins be called "FIRST STRIKE?"
I guess when you copyright a name you can define it any way you like.
In my opinion, PCGS has REALLY screwed the pooch on this one. Why do they continue to cheapen themselves?
Just my eversohumble opinion.
Cheers,
Bob
PCGS 1st Strike - Screwing around with the PCGS Collector's Club benefits
PCGS 2nd Strike - "FIRST STRIKE" designation
PCGS 3rd Strike - TBD
First Strike probly means first coins that smoeone got their hands on
<< <i>
<< <i>
Here is PCGS's definition:
<STRONG>First Strike</STRONG> - A coin struck early in the life of a die. First strikes sometimes are characterized by striated or mirror-like fields if the die was polished. Almost always fully or well struck, with crisp detail. >>
And all these years they have been mis describing Morgan dollars as prooflike when they should be calling them First Strikes.
K S
Didn't wanna get me no trade
Never want to be like papa
Working for the boss every night and day
--"Happy", by the Rolling Stones (1972)
The first coin struck from a brand new pair of dies would be a "first strike". Every coin struck thereafter from this die pair would be a 2nd thru gazillionth strike. Yup, PCGS knows how to market a product-which they certainly should. Good investment?? I can't answer that any better than anyone else. Might be good for CLCT stock.
<< <i>The whole "First Strike" thing sounds too Cold-Warish for me.
They're not going to come out with a "Massive Retaliation" designation, are they? >>
Russ, NCNE