Look at these two auctions: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&_trksid=p4340.l2557&rt=nc&nma=true&item=270722798868&si=8oZ%252B2tgzs0%252BCdupyoNyhZxcUaso%253D&viewitem=&sspagename=STRK%3AMEDWX%3AIT#ht_1840wt_1132 http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&_trksid=p4340.l2557&rt=nc&nma=true&item=230599072328&si=8oZ%252B2tgzs0%252BCdupyoNyhZxcUaso%253D&viewitem=&sspagename=STRK%3AMEDWX%3AIT#ht_1840wt_1132 Why on earth are people paying $114/$163 for MS-68 2011 cents? I mean, I know MS-68 is good for a business strike, but that's crazy. Is it because of the "Early Releases" designation? What's that mean, anyway? Is it like First Strike?
Early Release is the designation that NGC used to replace First Strike because First Strike was so misleading. As for price - some things cannot be explained when it comes to people.
Registry war. I don't have access to the Ngc population report but I would just about put money on it
I would pay no more than 20 bucks for something like that.... even if I would buy something like that.
I can't help but think people easilt get caught up in bidding wars on new release stuff like this. MS68 can't be all that uncommon, even on a high production coin like the cent. As for the first strike thing, I guess you have to coll ect them to justify the prices associated with the designation.
NGC has graded only 31 Philly and 20 Denver MS68 for the 2011 1c business strike. Both "Early Releases" and "First Strikes" are nothing but marketing ploys, but it is not the grading services (NGC or PCGS) who are responsible for the introduction of these useless "provenances". You can thank the retailers. The grading services only go along with it because it provides added revenue. Chris
