First strike or signed?

I'm considering buying a graded 5 oz atb, and I would like to know what adds more to its value- being graded as " first strike" or being signed by John Mercanti?

 

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Is it bullion (shiny) or Collectors edition (sand blasted matte)?

You are opening a can of worms with your question. The folks here have very strong opinions, pro and con, on this subject.

 

Prepare to be flayed, flummoxed, and flambeyed.........

Adding signatures and labels does nothing for the value of the piece unless you're from the planet Mongo. OK, I got that off my chest. Now Shizzy, if you like the Mercanti signature or the First Strike designation then by all means add one to your holdings but don't expect the moniker to add value.

 

My preference would be ~ First Strike Label.

 

It's pure genius by the TPB's...assign them point values and let them compete for the highest "point" set....pure genius I tell you...

 

I agree with greenie. Both the signature and the First Strike designation are equally ineffective in adding value to the coin.

I know you are interested in the value, but since you are thinking of purchasing an ATB puck, are you doing it primarily for the enjoyment potential or the investment potential? Personally, I don't collect coins for their investment potential as that is such a tricky game and I feel much more comfortable investing in other asset classes.

I purchase coins for the enjoyment I get from them; not for somebody else's enjoyment in the future, but for my enjoyment now. With this is mind, I would suggest you consider buying the coin in its original packaging.

Here's why: If you want to enjoy your coin, you will never be able to appreciate its beauty when it is encased in plastic as much as you can when you can remove the top from its original capsule. A slab creates a barrier that is easily scratched and nicked and just by the very fact it is plastic, it hides the beauty of the finish of the coin, as well as some of the design aspects of the coin.

For me, it is highly gratifying to remove the coin from its capsule and see it in its natural state; using cotton gloves of course.

Anyway, if you are looking for investment potential, I agree with greenie that neither option will add value when all is said and done. On the other hand, if you really want to enjoy your coin, get it in the original Mint packaging.

 

I'll have to disagree with Greenie & Hugger on one minor point. I agree that the "First Strike" or "Early Releases" designations are worthless. There is absolutely no way to tell if one was the first struck or the 100,000th struck.

But, for the autographed inserts, you have what would be considered a "dual collectible" and there are collectors who care just as much about the autograph as the coin, itself.

Chris

 

So you're saying I shouldn't take them all out of their capsules, lay them out on the floor, get buck naked and roll around in them and sometimes trying to make a snow angel? What your saying is all that is fine if I cloth myself in a cotton glove?

 

Chris, that likelihood remains to be seen. Still, I understand and respect your point......

 

first strike and second strike and third strike then you are out.then there is the home run which is something that is real and a game changer.

 

It happened in 2011 for me with the 25th anniversary set. Home run! Dumb fellow in the right place at the right time. Won't happen again for quite some time.......at least for this collector. Speculation and investing don't mix well with me but when the coin Gods deem it purposeful, well so be it. I picked up some nice classic commems from the proceeds of maximizing my purchase. A once in a lifetime achievement. I doubt it will ever happen again for this collector........

 

expecting to get a large premium over spot for mass produced bullion is pointless

 

Well, I assure you it did happen dear fellow, but I'm sure my chances at the lottery have been diminished a bit..........

 

Colin, when I click on your profile I see you've been a member since Friday. Friday is a very good day.......

 

whatever champ enjoy your overpriced chunks of metal if it suits you i guess...

 

You really are an ornery booger aren't you. Here I try to pay you a compliment and you throw it in my face. Travel well dear fellow but me thinks the baggage that encumbers you will be your downfall......

 

You got some real problems. Green18 is one of the coolest and more respected posters on here. You're on as thin of ice as it gets...good luck, you're going to need it.

 

I mean no offense but I think people who buy these special slabs are falling for a marketing gimmick. If it was really about the coin, why would there be a need for special slabs?

 

BINGO!

I get those labels on my coins simply for the value they add at resale. If there was no added value, I wouldn't get them.

 

I agree with you that as long as there is a market for them, make your money. I think some may hold there slabs to the point of no return...