Good to hear of the very respectable grade if 69 for a Bell.
Take up their offer for the updated Capsule to keep with the coin, as everyone who bought one early gets the new capsule upon request.

You will not lose money on your purchase.

Since you’re apt at posting photos, please send a pic our way.

So NGC held the coin for nearly as long as they possibly could. Came in at PF69. Not as bad as I thought. PF69 might mean it’s only worth it’s weight in gold long term, but there were 12 at PF65 and 15 at PF70. I got my FDI label that I wanted, so I’ll live with it. Based on conversations with customer service I know my coin was lowered in a subsequent review for ‘quality control’, but again, I’ll live with it. Next time I’ll know how NGC uses photo holds as a way keep it longer for no reason other than to review and lower grade (because I got the detailed photos on day 2 of receipt). The fact that the coin is STILL for sale at the mint highlights that this coin won’t appreciate in value for a significant time. Thanks all!

Sorry to hear, JM. I’m an amateur collector and submitter also. One thing I have learned is if submitting, you have up to 30 days to to qualify for FR after opening and inspecting the coin. No need to send in the sealed Mint box unless you send it in after 30 days, which is a gamble on condition, obviously.

The other thing I’ve learned is to not panic or judge too swiftly when viewing bright, Hi-rez photos. They won’t penalize loose micro dust, plastic particles or fibers, but they may penalize staining/haze/spots, missing finish/frost, fingerprints(even if they fingered it) or possible debris strikethrough, which your coin may have (the thread).

PS: a 69 may be the top grade for these, so a 68 aint so bad, TBD and it’s early in the game. NGC is a tad loose on grades, so good luck and keep us posted.

I think the presence of a raised perimeter edge is intentional and appropriate, so the edge can protect the more delicate interior surfaces.
However it seems that there’s challenges to keep this “squeezed edge” consistent throughout the twists & turns of the design?

The excessive finning that I’ve seen is also on the left side of the obverse.
However, not the entire left side, just halfway up the Bell and into the tight inside radius while transitioning to the Yoke-Wood. The Yoke’s left side has no excessive finning. The top of the Yoke has taller finning in the center – top and bottom. I think that is intentional and looks good, see photo. Just my two cents.

You might consider getting a replacement.
The tall finning on the Bell’s left side may be common on both the 1 & 1/2 oz coins, maybe the Medal too? I’m looking forward to more in hand analysis moving forward. Thanks for your comment.
Rick

I received my one ounce bell yesterday and was very excited till I opened the box the whole left side of the coin definitely is damaged by the press tall finned along the left side of the coin wondering what to do should I send it back or hope for an error coin

I love the Bristlecone design. Today, I actually ordered another of the silver ones that seems to have a different outer sleeve than my gold and silver ones previously ordered from the mint. Anyone seen this?

The BOM designs are beautiful, but one thing I did wonder – the first 3 are just repeats of the 2016 centennial gold. Maybe people think it’s not quite special if you already got those? And if you bought the 2016s the spot price was low enough now that you’ve made money.

The guy lowered open to $1,999 it will sell now!

The time of 2:50… 250-year anniversary.