PandaAmerica
makes market in certified Pandas
Martin
Weiss, President of PandaAmerica, considers the establishment
of a certified Panda market as the most important development
in Panda Gold Coins since their introduction in 1982.
As
the first distributor of Panda gold coins in the United
States, PandaAmerica has probably seen more gold panda coins
than almost anyone else. For more than two decades, PandaAmerica
has offered beautiful brilliant uncirculated coins, just
as they received them directly from the China Mint.
It is
now possible for collectors to assemble matched quality
date sets of certified gold Pandas. Out of the first group
of 200 Panda gold coins submitted (of various years) to
one of the leading certification services, 10% did not meet
the minimum certified grade requirement of MS-67 …
and only about 3% reached the heights of perfection (MS-70).
The other 85% were divided between MS-67, 68 and 69.
A web
page www.pandaamerica.com/certifiedpandas
is now under construction, where collectors will be able
to get up-to-the-minute quotes, and place orders using credit
cards. PandaAmerica will also actively be seeking to buy
certified Panda gold coins. For now, prices and availability
of different years and certified grades can be obtained
by calling (800) 4-PANDAS or (310) 373-9647, or e-mailing
info@pandaamerica.com.
The company's address is PandaAmerica, 3460 Torrance Blvd.
Suite 100, Torrance, CA 90503.
Note
on Grading Terms
Perfect
Mint State (MS-70) is theoretical perfection. To achieve
such a grade, the planchet must have been perfectly formed,
and have flawless, lint-free surfaces. The dies must have
been in new condition and raised from unworn masters, and
the dies must have had no lint, dust, oil or other contaminants
on their surfaces. The coining press must have been perfectly
adjusted to give a full strike to the coin, which must have
received no marks upon being ejected from the press.
Superb
Mint State (MS-67, 68 and 69) coins will immediately catch
the experienced eye and will appear as perfect coins to
many. They are distinguished by their full (or very nearly
full) strike, superb, virtually flawless surfaces and superb
luster. If there are any shortcomings or detractions, they
are not initially obvious, but will be discovered only after
extensive study under magnification. These are exceptional
pieces, rarely seen.
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Prepared by Mel Wacks
