Poll: What is your top factor/reason for buying a coin your looking for? ( even now one more option

ccr

Assuming that it`s a coin that your looking out to buy in the first place and you have the money to buy it. For me it`s eye appeal and it`s something I`m still working on.

Edit to add: The " Cherrypickabillity " term seems to catching in this thread so I added it. See the general definition in the threads below.

XpipedreamR

I think there is some overlap between many of those categories. For example, "eye appeal" encompasses surface preservation,luster, grade, and other.

fivecents

I also like "hinge" grade/price coins. Buying a coin in a grade that is just below the big price jump. Some coins prices will multiply dramatically with just a one point grade difference.

RGL

Eye appeal ... but -- and is there such a word? -- cherrypickability?

dollardude

I agree, there is too much overlap. I say originality to keep from being bodybagged by PCGS, which is my ultimate goal if it is not already in their holder. Next, luster, because this is probably the first thing I notice and am interested in. Next, I'm interested in its rarity, strike, then color, then rims, then eye appeal, grade and associated marks, and price. I put price last because I'm a collector that just wants the nicest coins I can afford.

tjkillian

What I like most about a coin is its strike. After that, then comes luster, surface preservation, etc.

Tom

Bobk

Eye appeal. And that "hinge" grade that fivecents mentioned.

razorface1027

There are several factors and reasons: 1)Eye appeal, (for me it's a CC Morgan in 63 or 64 with slight toning surrounding the perhiphery, kinda adds that aged appearance to it). 2) The value, as far as the longitudinal aspect ( as a legacy for my munchkins). 3) Foremost, because I love collecting. 4) If I'm IN SEARCH OF a particular specimen, it's usually a "NO HOLDS BARRED" for me. I then become relentless in my pursuit!...

dollardude

ccr, you need to add "strike" to your options.

Veep

First, rarity, as in a 1916 Std. Lib quarter. Then, eye appeal of the same coin. But, really in first place is the emotion of buying a coin that as a kid I could only dream of owing.

coincollector1989

eye appeal

Fairlaneman

You forgot... just because

Baley

Veep said it: in first place is the emotion of buying a coin that as a kid I could only dream of owing.

same here. And why the dream? the beauty, rarity, history, strike, luster, surface preservation, etc...

nwcs

It used to be a number of factors, now it's just what appeals to me. In fact, I've given up slabbing for the most part. Although I'll still buy slabs. Yesterday I picked up a 1968-D quarter with a wonderful crescent tone on the obv. A good MS-65 or 66 but was eye appealing to me. Also got a 1961 nickel that grades no better than a 64, but it is very eye appealing. It'll look good in my new nickel album coming. Same with a 62 dime with nice obv end roll toning. Got all three for $5. That's where collecting is fun for me now.

Trime

Eye appeal is what draws me to a coin; then all the factors listed come into the final analysis.

Stuart

I think the key subjective question is: What constitutes good eye appeal to each buyer? That will incorporate some of the other factors that you had in the poll like strike, luster and surface preservation which all combine to give you eye appeal.

FYI -- I also consider PL/DMPL to be part of the luster determination.

RGL - I like your term "CherryPickability" which I would define as a coin that has a higher perceived value to the buyer then it does to the seller. It's always fun to purchase a coin that you really like, when you feel that it also has a much higher potential value than what you paid.

For instance I picked up only one raw coin at this weekend's Houston Pasadena Coin Club Show (plus another 8-10 certified). But the raw coin stands out in my mind because it's a scarce one -- an 1890 MS-63/64 PL/DMPL which I picked up for MS-60 money of $24!!

According to Wayne Miller this is the toughest common date Morgan to find in gem condition, and very tough to find in true lustrous PL/DMPL. I define this as having a very high "CherryPickability" factor!!

mgoodm3

I love coins that are rare and old. I generally gravitate toward those coins first and then look for a nice one by strike, grade, eye appeal.

razorface1027

Hmmh, emotive content! Welp, I guess you can say, for today, I'm happy. Simply because I approached the Mrs. today and asked her what she thought (as far as beauty is concerned) about the 1877-S Trade Dollar, in prooflike I might add, that I received last week. Once, twice, and finally the third time I asked, think, think, think, and she stated "It's beautiful." As opposed to the usual "How much, why" and the alike. It's progress not perfection...I'll tame her yet!......

barberlover

<< <i>I think there is some overlap between many of those categories. For example, "eye appeal" encompasses surface preservation,luster, grade, and other. >>



XpipedreamR said it all for me, eye appeal covers it all and thats what gets me to buy a coin, it has to grab me.

Les

Lakesammman

Biggest factor is because there's a hole in my collection....the "trap" of trying to complete a collection.

Conder101

That it's available. With a lot of the things I need now you buy them when they appear if you can afford them because it may be a LONG time if ever before they show up again. Usually doesn't matter what they look like.