UPDATE! - PCGS FIRST STRIKE CUTOFF GUIDE

CC2GO · October 30, 2006 7:33AM

NEWEST UPDATE! SUNDAY NOV. 5 2006!

LAURA HAS POSTED A DIRECT LINK TO AN OFFICIAL PCGS WEB PAGE PROVIDING SUBMISSION GUIDELINES
FOR THE ASE & AGE SETS! Here's her message so you don't have to search for it....

<< "The 20th Anniversary cutoffs are on the Customer Service Update section of the PCGS website.
This is where you should check for similar guidelines and changes such as pricing and return shipping fees." >>

http://www.pcgs.com/customer_service_update.chtml/

I highly recommend speaking to Laura if calling.
THANKS TO LAURA FOR ALL HER EFFORTS!

Coin Finder · October 30, 2006 7:42AM

Thanks for the work, the problem is do all the underlings know the rules???

Lets hope so.

LauraR · October 30, 2006 8:12AM

Just to clarify...

"If you Keep Your Mint Package Sealed - you can send it to PCGS ANYTIME and still request your coins to be labeled as First Strike" -- Only if the shipping date/post mark from the fulfillment center is on or before the PCGS specified cutoff date. If the package is post marked after the cutoff the coins will not qualify for First Strike, open or not.

This only addresses First Strike. 10th/20th Anniversary inserts--that's a whole other ball game that varies depending on the insert.

And remember the additional $10/coin and send it "attn: Bulk".

CC2GO - Thanks for the recommendation!

-Laura

seanthornton · October 30, 2006 8:17AM

Can "First Stike" still be had on all 3 Silver 20th Anniversary coins as long as they are in the sealed box as shipped from the govt?
Sean

<< Just to clarify...

"If you Keep Your Mint Package Sealed - you can send it to PCGS ANYTIME and still request your coins to be labeled as First Strike" -- Only if the shipping date/post mark from the fulfillment center is on or before the PCGS specified cutoff date. If the package is post marked after the cutoff the coins will not qualify for First Strike, open or not.

This only addresses First Strike. 10th/20th Anniversary inserts--that's a whole other ball game that varies depending on the insert.

And remember the additional $10/coin and send it "attn: Bulk".

CC2GO - Thanks for the recommendation!

-Laura >>

Coin Finder · October 30, 2006 8:22AM

Laura to save you and your crew a lot of questions can you walk us through a submission?

I have a box of three ASE 20th anniversay sets in the unopened mint box postmarked October 27 2006.

I have my CC submission form in my hand, what do I do to get these sets to you and graded with the 20th anniversary/1st Strike inserts?

Thanks

CC2GO · October 30, 2006 8:23AM

Thanks Laura!

And, I hope everyone who read "blame CS"
caught on to my sarcasm!

SNMAN · October 30, 2006 8:39AM

<< Just to clarify...

"If you Keep Your Mint Package Sealed - you can send it to PCGS ANYTIME and still request your coins to be labeled as First Strike" -- Only if the shipping date/post mark from the fulfillment center is on or before the PCGS specified cutoff date. If the package is post marked after the cutoff the coins will not qualify for First Strike, open or not.

This only addresses First Strike. 10th/20th Anniversary inserts--that's a whole other ball game that varies depending on the insert.

And remember the additional $10/coin and send it "attn: Bulk".

CC2GO - Thanks for the recommendation!

-Laura >>

CaptHenway · October 30, 2006 10:15AM

That's one if by land and two if by sea and seven if by electric jet.....

LauraR · October 30, 2006 10:19AM

"can you walk us through a submission?"

I can try... here it goes...

First Strike designation for 3pc Gold 20th Anniversary and 2pc Mint State Silver & Gold 20th Anniversary sets:
• To get all coins in the set designated, the sets must come to PCGS in the original government boxes they were shipped in.
• The box must be unopened.
• The shipped date on the shipping label must be October 24th or earlier.
• Any opened boxes or sets shipped loose out of the government boxes DO NOT qualify for First Strike.

20th Anniversary designation after October 24th:
• To get all coins in the set designated, the sets must come to PCGS in the original government boxes they were shipped in.
• The box must be unopened.
• If the sets or loose coins arrive in open boxes, the only coin to receive the 20th Anniversary would be the Reverse Proof as this coin is currently only offered in the 3pc set. The other 2 coins are available in other sets or individually. (This is subject to change if the government decides to offer the Reverse Proof individually at a later date.)

First Strike designation for 3pc Silver 20th Anniversary sets:
• To get the 20th Anniversary First Strike designation, the sets must come to PCGS in the original government boxes they were shipped in.
• The box must be unopened.
• The shipment date on the shipping label must be October 24th or earlier to get all 3 coins 20th Anniversary First Strike, or November 11th or earlier to get the Proof and Reverse Proof 20th Anniversary First Strike.
• Any opened boxes or sets shipped loose out of the government boxes DO NOT qualify for First Strike Except for the Reverse Proof Silver Eagle which qualifies until November 11th, 2006.

20th Anniversary designation after November 11th:
• To get all 3 coins designated, the sets must come to PCGS in the original government boxes they were shipped in.
• The box must be unopened.
• If the sets or loose coins arrive in open boxes, the only coin to receive the 20th Anniversary would be the Reverse Proof as this coin is currently only offered in the 3pc set. The other 2 coins are available in other sets or individually. (This is subject to change if the government decides to offer the Reverse Proof individually at a later date.)

First Strike inserts have a $10/coin insert fee in addition to the regular grading fee. There is no additional fee for the 20th Anniversary insert.

All customers who request the return of original packaging are required to pay $2/box return shipping charge.

I hope this helps. Please let me know if you have any questions.

-Laura

Bochiman · October 30, 2006 10:29AM

Great clarifications Laura!

Very detailed and concise and even I can understand it

19Lyds · October 30, 2006 10:30AM

Now this is sweet! Customer Service is ON THE LINE!

Thanks for the clarification Laura! Now, if you could get someone to trash all those other confusing threads, everybody would have only one thread to go to for their info!

Bikingnut · October 30, 2006 10:42AM

So even if you send the sets in in the set box, if they aren't in the unopened shipping container, they don't all get the 20th Anniversary label.

It makes sense, but I wish I'd seen this sooner. Oh well, on to ebay they go.

Dennis

coinman420 · October 30, 2006 10:43AM

I hope this helps. Please let me know if you have any questions.

-Laura

hi laura. great clarification on the submission of these sets.

because of the confusion of cutoff dates and all i sent in an unopened box and only specified and paid extra $10 for the reverse proofs. now i see i can get ALL coins in the sets labeled FIRST STRIKE. how can i straighten my order out to get first strike on all of them? thanks

coinman420 · October 30, 2006 10:44AM

<< So even if you send the sets in in the set box, if they aren't in the unopened shipping container, they don't all get the 20th Anniversary label.

Wish I'd seen this sooner. Oh well, on to ebay they go.

Dennis >>

they get 20th anniversary label but not first strike.

Bikingnut · October 30, 2006 10:50AM

they get 20th anniversary label but not first strike

Other way around. I can still get the first strike sdesignation, but not the 20th Anniversary label. Not sure it's really worth it without the 20th Anniversary label.

Dennis

coinman420 · October 30, 2006 10:57AM

<< they get 20th anniversary label but not first strike

Other way around. I can still get the first strike sdesignation, but not the 20th Anniversary label. Not sure it's really worth it without the 20th Anniversary label.

Dennis >>

ok, now i`m confused again, sorry if i gave wrong info.

Bear · October 30, 2006 11:02AM

Now, any of you mugs still get confused,

we will have to remove your utensils.

Bikingnut · October 30, 2006 11:05AM

I guess I can't reseal the original mint package and have it pass for unopened either.

Dennis

Steve · October 30, 2006 11:50AM

Guys, do you REALLY think this is all about MORE money when you sell? I honestly believe that the market will care nothing about these so called "first strike" labels come 2007. It is all BS anyway. Coin collecting is about the COIN. Do you have a PR69 or a PR70 or a MS69 or a MS70. THAT is where the value is, not in a stupid label which has stupid rules about dates that have absolutely nothing to do with WHEN your coin was ACTUALLY struck. I guess everyone thinks it is ALL ABOUT THE MONEY. IT IS NOT ABOUT THE COIN. JMHO.
Steve

KeithinMD · October 30, 2006 11:58AM

<< Guys, do you REALLY think this is all about MORE money when you sell? I honestly believe that the market will care nothing about these so called "first strike" labels come 2007. It is all BS anyway. Coin collecting is about the COIN. Do you have a PR69 or a PR70 or a MS69 or a MS70. THAT is where the value is, not in a stupid label which has stupid rules about dates that have absolutely nothing to do with WHEN your coin was ACTUALLY struck. I guess everyone thinks it is ALL ABOUT THE MONEY. IT IS NOT ABOUT THE COIN. JMHO.
Steve

>>

Steve,
Which would you pay slightly more for: a graded coin that received a 69 or 70 on its first try or one that has been submitted multiple times in the hope of reaching a higher grade? If the insert was changed to First Try (being graded), would that make a difference to you? IMO, that is why there is this much attention being paid to FS coins.
--Keith

Bikingnut · October 30, 2006 12:00PM

THAT is where the value is, not in a stupid label which has stupid rules about dates that have absolutely nothing to do with WHEN your coin was ACTUALLY struck. I guess everyone thinks it is ALL ABOUT THE MONEY. IT IS NOT ABOUT THE COIN.

I don't really care about the first strike designation, but if I'm going to have a set graded, I would like it to have the 20th Anniversary set label.

Dennis

Bikingnut · October 30, 2006 12:01PM

Which would you pay slightly more for: a graded coin that received a 69 or 70 on its first try or one that has been submitted multiple times in the hope of reaching a higher grade? If the insert was changed to First Try (being graded), would that make a difference to you? IMO, that is why there is this much attention being paid to FS coins.

I think you are comparing apples to oranges. First strike would be entirely different than first try.

Dennis

KeithinMD · October 30, 2006 12:03PM

<< Which would you pay slightly more for: a graded coin that received a 69 or 70 on its first try or one that has been submitted multiple times in the hope of reaching a higher grade? If the insert was changed to First Try (being graded), would that make a difference to you? IMO, that is why there is this much attention being paid to FS coins.

I think you are comparing apples to oranges. First strike would be entirely different than first try.

Dennis >>

Then I do not see any additional value with a coin designated as FS IMO.

Bikingnut · October 30, 2006 12:05PM

Then I do not see any additional value with a coin designated as FS.

I agree with you on that point 100 percent. It's all hype in my opinion.

Dennis

Bochiman · October 30, 2006 12:16PM

It's funny....people debating 1st strike on this board.

People.....I doubt many on this board will argue with you. We are a relatively small community of collectors who are a bit more tuned into coins that the "average" collector. That is why so many of us got to the USMint's website in time for the AGE 3pc set, etc.
However, the general collecting audience at large.....well, they aren't quite as up on it, that's why deceptive marketing practices win out. That's why you still find people writing to CoinWorld saying they are disappointed that a trade dollar they bought on ebay, from China, was a fake. (DUH!)

Given that, I doubt many (to no one) on here would pay more for a 1st strike label (I have a couple but only because that is all that was available when I wanted the SAEs from the last year or two, and I didn't pay a premium) than for anything else. However, people who are SELLING know they will get the same, or more, for a coin labelled 1st Strike, so why not go for it?

Peekboou · October 30, 2006 12:20PM

OK, now I am confused. If you look at the first post it states you can get first strike even if the box is open, but the date on the shipping label is with in the dates slotted for first strikes. I received my first 3 set gold on the 21st and my wife opened it knowing how much I was looking forward to getting them. She did make a very nice presentation when I got home...got to love her!

Clarification would be great!

JP

Tootawl · October 30, 2006 1:31PM

I have an unopened box of 10 SAE sets that I plan on dropping on the PCGS table in Baltimore. It's post marked Oct 18th.

flaminio · October 30, 2006 1:43PM

It used to be about the coins.

Then it was about the plastic.

Now it's about a little piece of paper inside the plastic.

My, how we've fallen...

LastExitInNY · October 30, 2006 5:21PM

Does anyone know if PCGS can tell you exactly when the coins were struck?

Bikingnut · October 30, 2006 8:39PM

Then I do not see any additional value with a coin designated as FS.

Highly unlikely.

TwoSides2aCoin · October 30, 2006 9:50PM

<< Now, any of you mugs still get confused,

we will have to remove your utensils.

>>

Yeah bear I am a little confused, but maybe someone here can straighten me out.

My question is : Wasn't Jesus born in a MANGER, too

?

Hello Laura, welcome to the fish bowl.

RE: Laura's Title

ricko · October 30, 2006 11:59PM

I am continually amazed.... still people debating 'first strike' when such a thing does not exist (unless you work at the mint and take the first coin off the press). It is hype, not real, BS, crapola, garbage etc. etc. etc. When the US MInt posts the facts on it's site, and still the myth continues - propagated by TPG's.... (which really should be labeled 'Early Ship Date'... since it is nothing else)... I simply cannot understand even conducting discussions any longer. BUY THE D--MNED COIN!!!!! Cheers, RickO

Bikingnut · October 31, 2006 12:35AM

When the US MInt posts the facts on it's site, and still the myth continues - propagated by TPG's.... (which really should be labeled 'Early Ship Date'... since it is nothing else)... I simply cannot understand even conducting discussions any longer. BUY THE D--MNED COIN!!!!! Cheers, RickO

Exactly why I would NEVER pay a premium for a first strike designated coin.

Dennis

aficionado · October 31, 2006 12:39AM

<< When the US MInt posts the facts on it's site, and still the myth continues - propagated by TPG's.... (which really should be labeled 'Early Ship Date'... since it is nothing else)... I simply cannot understand even conducting discussions any longer. BUY THE D--MNED COIN!!!!! Cheers, RickO

Exactly why I would NEVER pay a premium for a first strike designated coin.

Dennis >>

And no one is asking you to.

SportsModerator2 · October 31, 2006 1:02AM

<< 

RE: Laura's Title

>>

My fault, typing without a license!

TwoSides2aCoin · October 31, 2006 3:37AM

<< 

<< 

RE: Laura's Title

>>

My fault, typing without a license! >>

And you are a darling ... thanks.

I got my first strikes in the mail today. 2 anniversary 2 coin sets.

Wow.
silver= ms68, ms69
gold were both 69s.

Tell them graders I said they are gooooooooooood !

Happy Halloween to ya'll out there, too

Joe
edit to add :

LastExitInNY · October 31, 2006 5:26AM

<< which really should be labeled 'Early Ship Date' >>

coinmickey · October 31, 2006 5:36AM

Agreed that "FS" is not something I care about, BUT...does anyone see value in having the coins slabbed with an insert that says "20th Anniversary", and omitting the "FS"?

This is what I plan to do with my extra set.

Bikingnut · October 31, 2006 7:55AM

BUT...does anyone see value in having the coins slabbed with an insert that says "20th Anniversary", and omitting the "FS"?

Yes.

21Walker · October 31, 2006 9:17AM

Hi Laura, can I send in 1 3 piece SAE set and not have to meet the 5 coin minimum? Thanks in advance.......>Rick

LauraR · October 31, 2006 10:24AM

Wow! When you guys get started on a topic you really run with it!

I need to make an addendum...

The Silver Reverse Proof can be sent in loose for First Strike and 20th Anniversary if post marked by 11/11. (This is contrary to what I posted earlier.) This is because this coin is only offered in the 3 pc set. Same rules apply--$10 extra and attn: bulk. After the 11th, this remains the only coin that would qualify for the 20th Anniversary designation on its own (for no additional fee).

Just to confuse you a little more!

-Laura
(not born in a manger)

coinman420 · October 31, 2006 10:34AM

hi laura, pm sent. thanks for your help.

TwoSides2aCoin · October 31, 2006 10:58AM

Laura,

I really didn't think you were born in a manger, and ya gotta love yer job.... at least I hope.
I am really proud of your efforts, too. Thanks for the feedback to you, Carol, Sean and the whole customer service team. Follow- up is impressive, to say the least.

J

E

LauraR · November 1, 2006 3:25PM

I have just edited my post with the guidelines for First Strike and 20th Anniversary cutoffs.

The specific change made was regarding the Mint State Silver Eagle. Since this coin was released earlier in the 2-coin Uncirculated-W sets, the First Strike cutoff is October 24th. This does reduce the window in which 3pc sets qualify, but it is necessary to maintain the First Strike designation.

Please let me know if you have any questions about this.

-Laura

Bochiman · November 1, 2006 3:47PM

<< I have just edited my post with the guidelines for First Strike and 20th Anniversary cutoffs.

The specific change made was regarding the Mint State Silver Eagle. Since this coin was released earlier in the 2-coin Uncirculated-W sets, the First Strike cutoff is October 24th. This does reduce the window in which 3pc sets qualify, but it is necessary to maintain the First Strike designation.

Please let me know if you have any questions about this.

-Laura >>

Well, I just sent my 10/27/06 set in today

If I had seen this, I wouldn't have done it. I just got screwed on 5 sets (2 coins I wouldn't have done, each). I would have opened the box and cherrypicked the reverse proofs and only sent those

So, this change just cost me (($24*10) + (5*$2 for package return) + misc extra on shipping)......so, at least $250+ extra

Sorry, but this is pretty upsetting to me

Using the same logic above about the 1st strike designation, you may as well remove the PR as it was released months ago. Nothing special about it in the set either.

wondercoin · November 1, 2006 4:08PM

Nothing has changed from Ron Guth's Guidelines which were publlished a month ago. Since the MS Silver Eagle from the 3 pc set is the same coin as the coin in the 2 pc. set, the First Strike deadline started for the coin around 9/25/06 and ended around 10/24/06 (or actually 10/25/06 I believe, but, not a big deal either way). I had mentioned this as well the other day on another thread.

The only real impact I see with this situation is that 3-pc. complete 69 grade FS Silver Eagle sets are much tougher to complete because all sealed sets submitted between 10/25/06 - 11/11/06 will now receive 2 FS coins and 1 non-FS coin.

Wondercoin

itsnotjustme · November 1, 2006 5:45PM

Recommendation:

PCGS take all the information about submitting these and place it on their web site under the submission center link!

Bochiman · November 2, 2006 12:34AM

Wondercoin,

You can't have different information, particularly dates, posted by representatives of a company.
That is what is wrong.

To say "nothing has changed from Ron Guth's message.....", fine and dandy but don't have conflicting info POSTED by a rep.
It is one thing to have "he said, she said" as part of a rumor mill and 3rd hand info. It is quite a different thing to have it 1st hand and posted.

fountainheadgold · November 2, 2006 12:46AM

<< 

<< I have just edited my post with the guidelines for First Strike and 20th Anniversary cutoffs.

The specific change made was regarding the Mint State Silver Eagle. Since this coin was released earlier in the 2-coin Uncirculated-W sets, the First Strike cutoff is October 24th. This does reduce the window in which 3pc sets qualify, but it is necessary to maintain the First Strike designation.

Please let me know if you have any questions about this.

-Laura >>

Well, I just sent my 10/27/06 set in today

If I had seen this, I wouldn't have done it. I just got screwed on 5 sets (2 coins I wouldn't have done, each). I would have opened the box and cherrypicked the reverse proofs and only sent those

So, this change just cost me (($24*10) + (5*$2 for package return) + misc extra on shipping)......so, at least $250+ extra

Sorry, but this is pretty upsetting to me

Using the same logic above about the 1st strike designation, you may as well remove the PR as it was released months ago. Nothing special about it in the set either. >>

!!!!!!Same happened to me, after getting clarification, That convinced me That was wrong, I bought 10 sets for double price and now I am scr__ed

wondercoin · November 2, 2006 12:48AM

Bochiman: I generally agree with you and, of course, nearly all the information disseminated was accurate. IMHO, the issue of the MS Silver Eagle was simply an oversight on someone's part (not necessarily Laura's either) - and it certainly shouldn't seriously impact a submission decision. These sets are basically all about one thing - THE REVERSE PROOF SILVER EAGLE and trying to get the coin in either PCGS-PR69 or 70 grade!

Wondercoin

holeinone1972 · November 2, 2006 3:52AM

What difference can this make. If the coin is in the sealed box and never opened how can we not get fs on a sealed set which was delivered before 11/11/06 ?????????????????

So let me get this straight. I just sent in a 5 box sealed set for grading and the rev proof and the proof will be fs/ 20th anniversary. The ms coin will have a different designation? Just 20th anniversary?

I have several emails telling me it's ok, and that I will get the fs and 20th anniversary designation on all of my silver sets as long as they were dated earlier than 11/11/06 from the us mint fulfillment center and of course unopened.

Unbelievable.

UPDATE! - PCGS FIRST STRIKE CUTOFF GUIDE

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