This subject came up in another thread. Here is exactly what the US Mint has to say about the labels First Strike and First Releases: https://www.usmint.gov/news/consumer-alerts/consumer/first-strike-designations A public service from your pal Santinidollar
No... really...? I am surprised people are still buying the “first release” nonsense. Good that I am only interested in bust halves and don’t need to worry about this
I wonder if they will slab Bust Halves as "First Release" if they're struck from the first die pair. We should ask...
Always good to re-illustrate this so called concept for the younger members here. This debate has been kicked around for the last 10 or 15 years. Heck.....there was even a law suite filed back a few years ago. Don't buy into the Jim Jones nonsense people......
The lawsuit was filed in Florida regarding the use of the term "First Strike", and NGC was required to cease using it. That is when they began using "Early Release". However, since PCGS is headquartered in California, they could not be forced to comply with the Florida decision. So, they continue to use "First Strike". ~ Chris
I thought that PCGS trademarked First Strike™ to mean what it means to them (not first struck), so that NGC couldn't used it. Either way, while I think it's silly, I thank those who actually pay TPGs for silly labels that help keep other costs down.
Nope. Feeds the frenzy of dopes and hair splitters of otherwise common coins. The dopes that buy into this misconception are paying fools money.
Or they aren't actually dopes and just enjoy those better? It's been over a decade the vast majority know exactly what they are and some of the labels literally even say what they are. Dopes get fooled here or there on a small scale, when the market as a whole rewards something it isn't dopes just because others don't like it Collecting would be a lot better if we stopped calling people dopes and other names because they enjoy something someone else doesn't like.
Anyone who could seriously consider such a designation as true quality is clearly off their rocker. Collectible or otherwise.....
The US mint has used the first coins struck off the dies in marketing their products, so technically their info is incorrect.
I have always liked the original PCGS FIRST STRIKE Flag Labels bc of the USA Flag. Never cared about the first 30 day stuff, just love our FLAG. To me, there are way too many labels today BUT it's only because lots of collectors want them. If they weren't selling they wouldn't be spitting 'em out. Remember that song....you got the money honey, I got the time...
First struck are at the bottom of the stack, and the last ones dealt. Unless ofcourse you have a crooked dealer.
Those big chunks of plastic serve no purpose other than authentication. I'd crack out an 1895s Morgan in high mint state if I ever get the funds to buy one.
