PCGS $50 PR70 DCAM Buffalo vs. NGC PR 70 UCAM Buffalo

[rtwguy-migration]

Hey everyone-

 

First off thanks for the help on those coins in the PCI Holders. I sent them all off and told them to crack them out of the holders and give them the appropriate grades. I took before pictures, and when I get them back, I will post the before and after pictures.

 

Now to the matter at hand. I have been looking at the new Buffalo's for a couple of weeks now and so far have bought 2 PCGS FS MS69 Buff's for $725 a piece, which was a price I was pretty happy about, and actually am thinking about buying a few more of those, just a good value, first year, pure 24 karat. But this is the question that keeps me shaking my head. I want to purchase some proofs, since I think they will appreciate the most. Now I am not going to get a PR70 DCAM or UCAM, and for me a PR69 I cannot tell the difference.

 

But a FS PR70 DCAM PCGS is going for $3000 and up, while an NGC FS PR70 UCAM is usually around $1500. That makes no sense. PCGS grades command this big of a premium? I would rather buy another NGC, if I were buying the perfect coins. Even though in the PR69, NGC goes for around $850-$900 while PCGS usually commands over $1000. Like I said, I would rather have the extra money, but when did PCGS start commanding that kind of price respect? Is there something I am not keyed into since I am not really up to date on the coin news? Any help or opinions would be of some great help, I would just like to understand. Thanks John

[Bruceswar]

The reason the FS PF70 DCAM Coins are going for so much is 2 reasons. One they are first strike which is hyped to no end. (Waste of money) and 2 The registry collectors go after PCGS coins since thats the only coins PCGS will allow in thier registry. NGC will allow both. You are doing the right thing by buying the coin and not the slab. Good Luck!!

[gmarguli]

I have been looking at the new Buffalo's for a couple of weeks now and so far have bought 2 PCGS FS MS69 Buff's for $725 a piece, which was a price I was pretty happy about, and actually am thinking about buying a few more of those, just a good value, first year, pure 24 karat.

 

Tulving has them for about $40 less than that. They have a minimum order quantity, but I'm sure you can do better than $725 with some searching.

 

 

 

But a FS PR70 DCAM PCGS is going for $3000 and up, while an NGC FS PR70 UCAM is usually around $1500. That makes no sense. PCGS grades command this big of a premium?

 

PCGS likes to limit the number of PF70 coins and as such they have very strict standards. Their standards also change quite a bit. The only reason to pay more for a PCGS PF70 is if you want it for your PCGS-only Registry Set. Otherwise, it is a waste of money.

[TomB]

In my experience, PCGS puts an artificial "cap" on certain grade ranges and series, thus ensuring a continued perception of more strict grading throughout much of the hobby. Might an NGC PF70UCAM and a PCGS PF70DCAM be identical? Yes. Might they be different? Yes. It depends on the individual coin in each instance.

 

As far as the FS designation is concerned, it has nothing to do with the first strike definition historically used in numismatics and has essentially everything to do with marketing. Make certain you understand what you are buying before you make a large investment.

[Brotherman]

As far as the FS designation is concerned, it has nothing to do with the first strike definition historically used in numismatics and has essentially everything to do with marketing. Make certain you understand what you are buying before you make a large investment.

 

Excellent point.

 

Hays

[James_OldeTowne]

This topic was discussed last week, too. PCGS coins simply "cost" more. It doesn't mean they are "worth" more.

 

Suppose you pay $3000 for a PCGS-70 coin and sell it a year later for $3500. Suppose during the same time, I buy an NGC-70 coin for $1500, but only get $2000 for it. Who made the better investment?

 

We both made $500, but I tied up less money to begin with.

 

Don't waste your money on the overpriced PCGS-70. You CANNOT tell them apart from the NGC-70s.

 

James