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The Certified 2018 South Africa 1 oz Silver Krugerrand graded MS70 by PCGS with the “First Week Struck” designation is a significant and highly sought-after coin in the modern bullion and numismatic landscape. As one of the earliest examples struck during the production run, this coin is certified to have been minted within the first week of issuance, giving it a unique place in the timeline of South Africa’s silver coinage. The 2018 release marks only the second year that the South African Mint issued a silver version of the iconic Krugerrand, making it especially appealing to collectors who value both numismatic quality and historical milestones. The MS70 grade further enhances its desirability by ensuring flawless condition under 5x magnification.
The Krugerrand was originally introduced in 1967 as the world’s first modern gold bullion coin, designed to make gold ownership more accessible to the public. It quickly became a global standard and one of the most widely recognized gold coins in the world. Building on the gold coin’s enduring success, the South African Mint introduced the first-ever Silver Krugerrand in 2017 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Krugerrand series. While that inaugural silver issue was released as a premium proof-like coin, 2018 marked the first year the Silver Krugerrand was issued as a standard bullion strike. This transition from collector-only to investment-grade bullion opened the door to a wider market while maintaining high levels of production quality.
The obverse of the 2018 Silver Krugerrand features the classic portrait of Paul Kruger, the former president of the South African Republic and an enduring symbol of the nation's history. The image was originally designed by Otto Schultz for the gold Krugerrand and was carried over to the silver issue without modification. The finely detailed rendering of Kruger’s bearded profile is encircled by the legend “SUID-AFRIKA • SOUTH AFRICA,” presented in both Afrikaans and English, the two most prominent official languages of the country. On MS70 examples, the obverse presents with crisp definition and full strike, allowing every line of Kruger’s hair and beard to stand out against the polished background fields with immaculate precision.
The reverse displays a springbok antelope, the national animal of South Africa and a potent symbol of vitality and freedom. Originally sculpted by Coert Steynberg, this elegant design shows the springbok mid-leap, framed by the inscriptions “KRUGERRAND,” the year of issue “2018,” and the weight and purity “FYNSILWER 1 OZ FINE SILVER R1.” The reverse design is both classic and contemporary, retaining the heritage of the Krugerrand series while adapting seamlessly to the silver medium. On a certified MS70 First Week Struck coin, the relief of the springbok is bold and precise, the surfaces are free from blemishes or marks, and the overall luster is sharp and uniform, highlighting the exceptional die quality used during the early stages of minting.
The 2018 bullion Silver Krugerrand was struck in one troy ounce of .999 fine silver and was produced at the South African Mint in collaboration with Rand Refinery. Unlike many modern bullion coins that are struck for quantity, the Silver Krugerrand benefits from elevated production standards, particularly in the earliest strikes. Coins from the First Week Struck batch are typically struck using fresh dies, which produce sharper, more defined images and superior surface quality. These early strikes are also handled with greater care to ensure the finest examples are preserved for certification, making them excellent candidates for top-tier grading and long-term appreciation in value and desirability among discerning collectors.
Although the South African Mint did not release exact figures for how many Silver Krugerrands were struck in the first week, it is widely accepted that only a small fraction of the total mintage qualified for the “First Week Struck” label by PCGS. This designation guarantees that the coin was produced within the first seven days of the coin’s minting and was verified through secure and traceable logistics. Given the volume of coins typically minted in the months that follow, early strike pieces often display superior quality and are highly collectible. The PCGS certification adds both credibility and market appeal, with the MS70 grade confirming that the coin exhibits no post-production imperfections visible under magnification.
The MS70 grade, assigned by the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS), is the highest numerical grade possible on the Sheldon scale. An MS70 coin is flawless under 5x magnification, with perfect strike, surfaces, luster, and eye appeal. For modern bullion issues like the 2018 Silver Krugerrand, achieving this grade is not common and speaks volumes about the coin’s preservation and minting quality. When combined with the “First Week Struck” label, this example becomes even more exclusive. Coins bearing both top condition and early strike status are highly favored by registry set builders and advanced collectors who seek the finest examples of each release year for long-term appreciation and prestige.
The physical condition of this certified MS70 coin is exceptional. It exhibits brilliant mint luster, clean and unmarred surfaces, and precise detailing on both obverse and reverse designs. The fields are free of milk spots, toning, or abrasions—common issues on silver coins that have not been properly stored or handled. The coin’s edge is reeded with even spacing and clean machining, further reflecting the high production quality of the South African Mint. Securely encapsulated in a tamper-evident PCGS holder with the “First Week Struck” pedigree on the label, this coin is protected from environmental contaminants and is presented in a manner that is both display-worthy and secure for investment purposes.
The market for early-strike, high-grade bullion coins continues to grow, with collectors increasingly seeking coins that combine historical significance, flawless condition, and verified production timing. The 2018 Silver Krugerrand MS70 First Week Struck encapsulates all three of these qualities. It marks the official transition of the Silver Krugerrand from a commemorative proof to a full-fledged bullion series, bears the iconic designs of one of the world’s most recognized coin families, and comes with the assurance of both early mintage and perfect preservation. As such, it holds strong appeal for collectors of modern world bullion coins and investors looking for top-tier, certified silver assets with long-term potential.
The Certified 2018 South Africa 1 oz Silver Krugerrand MS70 PCGS First Week Struck is a standout example in the modern silver bullion market. It combines the rich legacy of the Krugerrand name with the modern appeal of .999 fine silver and flawless presentation. As a First Week Struck coin, it represents the earliest and best-struck specimens of the mintage, and the PCGS MS70 certification confirms its perfection. Whether added to a world silver type set, a Krugerrand-focused collection, or held as a precious metal investment with exceptional numismatic merit, this coin offers enduring value and worldwide recognition. It is a prime example of how tradition and innovation can coexist in a single, beautifully executed modern coin.