What Does The Term “Certified” Mean In Reference To Bullion And Rare Coins?

In buying gold an investor may ask, “What does the term certified mean in reference to bullion and rare coins? Certification of bullion is different than certification of rare coins in several ways. Certification of bullion is only that the item is gold and authentic. Certification of rare coins is essential to their valuation.

The American Gold Eagle and American Buffalo gold bullion coins are guaranteed by the United States Mint to contain exactly the amount of gold they are said to contain. To quote the US Mint website, “United States Mint gold bullion coins are the only official investment-grade gold bullion coins whose weight, content and purity are guaranteed by the United States Government.” Certifying brand new gold bullion coins fresh from the United States Mint does not accomplish anything except add to the cost of the coin.

What the term certified means in reference to bullion takes on an entirely different meaning when it comes to rare gold coins. The cost of bullion in a rare gold coin is typically a very small part of its value. Coins such as a 19th century $3 gold piece in exceptionally good condition can be worth around $90,000. A coin of the same year and mint mark can also be worth $900 if it is worn. A uniquely rare coin in this series is the 1870S which can sell for $4 million.

The point of certifying rare gold coins is to guarantee the authenticity of coins such as an 1870S $3 gold piece. Certification guarantees the grade of such a coin, which is what finally determines the coin’s value. For example, an 1864 $3 gold piece can sell for $1,250 at grade 30 and $95,000 at grade 67. The same coin five grades lower at 62 will typically sell for $11,000. Establishing and certifying the grade of a rare gold coin is essential for the investor.