2012 Silver Eagle - San Francisco Mint NGC MS70 Early Releases

In 1986, the U.S. Mint introduced the Silver Eagle coins – the first silver bullion coins in U.S. history.  The Silver Eagle is the largest and heaviest silver coin in U.S. history.  It is struck with one full ounce of pure silver, so it is even bigger than a classic Morgan or Peace Silver Dollar.  The obverse is the Walking Liberty design that first appeared on the 1916-1947 Walking Liberty Half Dollar, while the reverse
shows a heraldic eagle and 13 stars to represent the original 13 states.  The reverse also includes the U.S. government’s guarantee of the coin’s silver weight and One Dollar legal tender value.  The same design is used each year.
 
Coins certified 70 are the best coins on the market and are virtually irreplaceable, few other coins can keep pace with the price and performance of perfect MS70
 
 
“Coin grade or condition” is a term used within the coin business to indicate the condition, amount of wear or state of preservation of a coin. The grade of a coin is important because it is one of the three critical factors in determining value and future price potential. The other two factors are rarity and demand.

In the United States coins are graded based on the Sheldon numerical scale created in 1949 by Dr. William Sheldon that grades coins from 1 (barely identifiable) to 70 (absolute perfection). Only a tiny fraction of the coins produced each year have the full strike and flawless surfaces required to be considered perfect mint state 70 (MS70) or Proof 70 (PR70). It’s no surprise that coins graded in MS70 or PR70 are highly sought after among collectors. As a result, coins with the grade of 70 generally tend to appreciate in value more quickly than coins in lesser grades. For example a 1995 PCGS certified American silver eagle is valued at $40 in MS69 and $4,000 in MS70. The Proof version of the 1995 coin struck at WestPoint has a list price of $3,400 in PR69 while the perfect PR70 coin lists for $30,000. Many perfect 70 coins issued after 1982 can still be bought for under $200. Buying modern issue 1982-2010 coins in perfect MS70 or PR70 condition soon after they are released is an inexpensive way to collect perfect coins!
 
Over the past few decade's four independent coin-grading firms have gained prominence in providing unbiased third party evaluation of coins for a fee. They are in alphabetical order ANACS, ICG, NGC and PCGS. These organizations are staffed with well-trained and highly skilled experts in the art and science of coin grading. When you buy an independently graded coin certified by one of these organizations you can buy with confidence.

What you get with a certified coin

When you buy a certified coin you are getting a guarantee from an independent third party source, ANACS, ICG, NGC or PCGS that your coin is authentic and genuine, that it has not been altered, tampered with or cleaned. Certified coins are set in clear plastic holders called “slabs”. These slabs are sonically sealed and tamper evident and help protect and preserve the coin in its original pristine MS70 or PR70 condition. A description of the coin and its numerical grade are sealed into the holder; making it easier to place a value on the coin when you want to sell it. Most coin collections are passed down from generation to generation, often the people inheriting the collection know very little about the coins, the certified holders will allow them to safely handle the coins without damaging them, the numeric grade will help them easily identify each coin and find its true value.