PCGS Weekly Update April 16, 2024

April 16, 2024

Recent Price Guide Updates

CoinFacts Narrative Update

The $50 2023-W One Ounce Proof Gold Buffalos were officially offered to the public directly from the U.S. Mint website on April 13, 2024. Each coin had an issue price of $2,940 if purchased directly from the U.S. Mint on the first week of sales. Read more.

PCGS Set Registry Update

Coinage was re-introduced to South Korea in 1959 after a hiatus of almost 50 years. Newly designed coinage was issued in 1966, which included the one won, five won, and the 10 Won. These denominations were struck in bronze, and the alloy selected was 12% zinc and 88% copper. This bronze appears as golden as the sun, and the brilliance can be quite beautiful.

One drawback of zinc is that it is highly reactive to oxygen and water. Many coins from this series suffer from what is known as “bronze disease,” which results in unsightly carbon spots that could form on the bronze coins' surfaces with the presence of any moisture. Humidity is the main culprit and saliva can be fatal as well. It is best not to talk when handling uncertified coins, as saliva may find a new corrosive home to build upon your coin. The five won displays the “turtle ship” on the reverse, which was designed during the Joseon Dynasty to fight the invading Japanese.

PCGS has recently listed a set titled 1966 South Korean Brass Set that collectors may consider building, and other dates are offered as well. Many of these sets are easy to build, and PCGS has created them for our members to easily display their coins.

Additional sets from various countries have been added, so please feel free to browse the PCGS Set Registry when you have a chance and you may find there is a set for almost anyone to build. The PCGS Set Registry offers many different sets from all over the world and specialty sets for advanced collectors. We appreciate your continued patronage, all the best in building your sets, and Happy Collecting, folks!