Location: Buy Silver → American Silver Eagles → Certified Proof Silver Eagles
Certified Proof Silver Eagles
There are many coin grading agencies out there but only two that are revered worldwide. The Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC) and the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) are two companies that issue coins their grades. These companies not only certify coins, but they also encase the graded coin into an official holder, preserving the coin and marking the holder with its earned grade. This alone has changed the coin collecting game, while also offering a peace of mind for collectors and investors.
When purchasing a Certified Proof American Silver Eagle, there is information provided on the coin holder that is important to know. The first thing to notice is the coin's strike type:
- PF/PR: Abbreviation for "Proof;" refers to the method of coin manufacture, made for eye appeal among collectors.
- SP: A "specimen" coin is a combination of strike type (somewhere in the middle of Mint State and Proof).
A Certified Proof American Gold Eagle will most likely come in one of two grades:
- MS/PF70: Bullion coins that have kept their original mint luster and contain zero post production flaws.
- MS/PF69: Bullion coins that contain 2 or less minute imperfections but still carry their original mint luster.
Other certification terms often used for bullion coins:
- First Strike: PCGS term designates coins that have been certified within the first 30 days of production by the contributing mint.
- Early Release: NGC term designates coins that have been certified within the first 30 days of production by the contributing mint.
- UCAM/DCAM: Shortened for Ultra-Cameo and Deep-Cameo, these terms refer to the coin's visual brilliance that is apparent on the surface by an unyielding, frosted finish and a deeply mirrored background luster.