When a coin is described as “capsule only,” it means it is housed in a protective plastic capsule but does not come with additional packaging, such as a presentation box or certificate of authenticity (COA.) The capsule helps protect the coin from damage and environmental factors.
Coins with Certificates of Authenticity
Guarantee of Authenticity
Certificates of Authenticity (COAs) can add value to coins. One of the reasons collectors prefer coins with COAs is the guarantee of authenticity and quality that comes with a certificate of authenticity. They provide assurance that a coin is genuine, which can be especially valuable for rare coins. COAs can also provide detailed information about a coin’s rarity, grade, and provenance. They allow buyers to check with the issuer to validate their coin’s authenticity and ensure it is not a copy. Provenance can be a key component for collectors since it can add to a coin’s historical significance and value.
When a coin is sold with a Certificate of Authenticity (COA), the originating mint issues the COA. The United States Mint began issuing them with proof coin sets in 1990 and continues to issue them with many coins today.
Market Value
Coins with COAs tend to have a higher market value than coins without COAs because buyers are more confident in their authenticity and quality. The certificate can serve as a guarantee, making potential buyers more willing to pay a premium for the coin.
Enhanced Resale Value and Collector Appeal
Coins accompanied by COAs can sometimes command higher prices in the market. Furthermore, collectors often prefer coins with COAs, as they provide proof of their origin.
Coins Sold with COAs
Here are some examples of highly valuable coins that come with certificates of authenticity (COAs):
- 2019 High Relief American Liberty Gold: The 2019 American Liberty Gold coin, issued by the U.S. Mint, comes with a COA and stylish presentation. It celebrates the evolving concept of Liberty and is highly sought after by collectors
- 2014 Kennedy Half-Dollar Gold Coin: Released to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Kennedy half-dollar, the 3/4 oz Gold Kennedy Half Dollar coin comes with a COA and is made of 99.99% gold
- 2016 American Liberty Silver Medal: This medal, issued by the U.S. Mint, comes with a COA and features a modern interpretation of Liberty.
- 2021-2024 Morgan and Peace Silver Dollars: Coins like the 2024 Morgan Dollar were issued to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the transition from the Morgan to the Peace dollar. They come with COAs and are highly collectible.
These coins are valuable not only for their precious metal content and historical significance but also because the COAs provide assurance of their authenticity and provenance.
Original Government Packaging
Original boxes accompanying coins provide additional value for collectors. The original packaging, sometimes referred to as OGP or original government packaging often contains valuable information about the coin. This may include the date of minting, the place of origin, and may provide insights into what makes the coin special, be it the design or the history it commemorates. These details serve to enrich the collector’s understanding and appreciation of the coin, as well as to present it in a stylish fashion.
Coins with OGP often include COAs, although a coin with a COA may not necessarily ship with its original packaging unless a listing specifically states that it does.
Is it Better to Buy a Coin with a COA than a BU Coin?
With the plethora of options available for coin collectors, it might feel overwhelming trying to decide on your first purchases. The right answer will vary from collector to collector, and it is important to consider your goals as you make your first purchases.
