Understanding Pedigree

Early Releases and First Releases are interchangeable and have the same definition. NGC gives this designation to coins received within 30 days of the first release of a new coin issue. NGC calculates this 30-day cutoff based on a coin's "release date." A release date is the day that a new coin issue is first released by a mint, which is sometimes different from the sale date since many mints offer coins for sale before they are released.

It's worth noting that a coin's release date may differ from the date on the coin itself. In some instances, a mint may release a coin dated from a previous year in the current year.

First Day of Issue refers to coins purchased within one day of the first day a mint makes a new coin issue available for sale. These coins must then be received by NGC within one week of the release date. Typically, NGC makes the First Day of Issue designation available only for submissions of bulk quantities or at select trade shows.

The First Day of Production designation is given to coins that are struck on the first day that a mint begins production of that coin. To qualify, NGC requires that the mint must provide documentation that confirms that the coins were struck on the first day of production.

The Last Day of Production designation is given to coins that are struck on the day that a mint ended production of that coin. Similar to First Day of Production, Last Day of Production coins must be accopanied by documentation from the mint that confirms that the coins were struck on the last day of the coin's production.

The Advance Releases designation refers to coins that are purchased by designated mint customers prior to the first day that a mint makes a new coin issue publicly available for sale. NGC must also receive these coins within one week of the ship date to qualify as Advance Releases. These coins are typically purchased through a bulk advance purchasing arrangement with the mint.

The First Strike designation is given to coins that are received from a mint for grading and certification within the first 30 days of a new coin issue's release date.

First Day of Issue designates select coins purchased within one day of the first day of release by a mint. The First Day of Issue pedigree not only adds value to modern coins, but provides collectors with the opportunity to own distinct, scarcer subsets.

Introduced in 2021, the The Advanced Release designation is only available for a select number of coins within a given coin issue. The designation refers to a small number of coins that have been certified and graded before their official release by a mint to collectors and the general public.

To be considered as Advanced Delivery, a coin must be purchased dy designated mint customers before a mint publicly announces the first day that a new coin issue is available for sale. The coin must also be received by CAC grading within the first week of the delivery date.

The First Delivery designation is offered for coins that are recieved by CAC Grading or a depository approved by CAC within 30 days of a mint's first shipment of a new coin issue. On occasion, a coin's delivery date may differ from the coin's date itself.

First Day of Delivery refers to coins acquired within one day of the first day that a new coin issue is made available for purchase by a mint. CAC Grading must also receive the coin within one week of the release date.

The Last Day of Delivery designation refers to coins acquired within one day of the last day that a new coin issue is made available for purchase by a mint.

First Strike is a PCGS designation given to coins that are received from a mint for grading and certification within the first 30 days of a new coin issue's release date.

Advance Releases is used by NGC while Advanced Release is used by PCGS. Both designations are given to coins that are received from a mint for grading and certification within the first 30 days of a new coin issue's release date.