PCGS Certified Gold Coins

PCGS Gold at Provident Metals

For coin certification, two names are shine bright. One of those names is the PCGS,  otherwise known as the Professional Coin Grading Service. The PCGS was founded in 1985, before their establishment there wasn’t really a defined system on how to grade coins. The formation of the PCGS took the world of certified coins to a new height that was previously unknown. Learn more about PCGS Gold right here at Provident Metals.

Certification Process and History

Certifying your coins can add value to your coinage while also giving you peace of mind. The PCGS is one of the most well-known coin grading services in the industry today with experience dating back to 1985. Before the establishment of the PCGS, coins were graded on a simple scale of the following.

• Good: Coins that maintain most of the design details.
• Fine: Exhibit clear details and contain some luster.
• Uncirculated: Never in general circulation, still exhibits full mint state condition.

However, there was too much variance between two coins with the same grade. Thus, the PCGS and others were formed using the renowned Sheldon Scale of 1-70.

The PCGS receives coins and grades each one individually. Each coin is graded by at least two numismatists to ensure your coin is graded properly. Once your coin is graded, it is encapsulated in a PCGS protective plastic slab, preserving its graded condition, and making sure it is shipped back to you, unharmed.

Grading Scale and PCGS-Specific Terms

The PCGS uses the popular Sheldon Scale to grade coins. This scale is from 1 to 70 with 70 being a perfect specimen. In theory, a coin with a grade of 70 is 70 times more valuable than a coin with a grade of 1.

As the world of coinage has evolved so has grading them. As such, there are many terms and classifications that accompany your coin. Some terms are industry standard, but others are specific just to the PCGS.

• First Strike (FS): Coins that are received by the PCGS within 30 days of the coin’s initial issue.
• First Day of Issue (FDOI): Coins that are received by the PCGS within 24 hours of the coin’s initial issue.
• Proof (PR): Coins that are proof strikes.
• Deep Cameo (DCAM): A designation for proof coins, indicating their strong, frosted finish with a mirror-like background.
• Mint State (MS): Coins that are considered uncirculated. These coins are graded between a 60 and a 70.

Popular PCGS Gold Coins

• Pre-33 Gold Coins: These coins are any coins that were produced and issued before 1933. As such, there are many unique designs for these coins. With so much variance, these coins are popular in the certification industry.
• American Eagle Gold Coins: These coins are among the best-selling gold coins in the world, thus they’re among the most popular certified options as well. These coins are available in four unique sizes and 3 different variations as well.
• Chinese Panda Gold Coins: These coins are popular in the certification world as they’re some of the more unique annual releases in the industry. While these coins are released annually, the image of a panda changes with every release. In 2016 these coins also changed from using Troy oz to grams.

Investing in PCGS Gold at Provident Metals-

Don’t hesitate to call the Provident Metals customer service team at 1-800-313-3315 with any questions you may have. Our team can also be contacted via email or through our online chat feature.