When getting ready to purchase a rare coin what's the most important thing you take into account to

coinguy89

I know this question might seem a little broad. I am curious though. Im getting ready to myself, buy a really rare coin, now of course it's not going to be a super ultra rarity from the American series, it's going to be a really rare Civil War token. These usually range from about $1,000-$20,000 depending on demand. Any comments?

ldhair

I have to look at it and say wow, I love this coin

MrEureka

I don't buy anything for my collection unless the coin puts a smile on my face.

spikey

Something that makes it stand out from all the rest.It has to be unique.

dthigpen

It has to have a hole in it.

Ronyahski

One that fits in my overall plan for building a collection. It still has to be aesthetically appealing - for me, that includes attractive toning. I won' buy a coin that is blah soley because it is rare.

Murphy

If I bought something that expensive, I'd be afraid it would start flaking after a week at my house. So, it would have to be real and very worth the money - either worth it in scarcity(need it for your collection), eye appeal(love it!) or value(investment).

1040taxman

The coin has to have that one-two punch (rarity and eye appeal).Good Luck!

jmccarthy1983

<< <i>I don't buy anything for my collection unless the coin puts a smile on my face. >>



I am the same way, thats why I havnt botherd with morgans,

gemtone65

I ask myself "If I show this piece to someone who knows nothing about rare coins, will their first reaction be 'Wow!'."

Lakesammman

Fits my plan and makes my heart skip a beat.

Sounds like a cool token. Is it the hunting dogs in gold??

goose3

<< <i>Is it the hunting dogs in gold >>







You better grab your icon token!! I was over there looking at those yesterday. If that didn't have that hole in it, It would be mine!

BillJones

Eye appeal for the grade is very important to me. If I don't care for the general look of the coin or token, I don't bother to go any further.

BTW what Civil War Token do you need? $20 grand sounds like a world's record price to me.

Regulated

It should tell a great story.

morgannut2

Eye Appeal, Rarity, and originality. Interestingly, even though I buy for my own enjoyment, this type of coin often gets a WOW from other knowledgeable collectors of my series. That's when it's OK to pay 2X "too much"!

stman

What holder it's in. And whether it's a new or old holder is most important. That way I can come on here and describe the holder more than the coin.

vega1

This has been said before by others, but if there's anything about the coin that bothers you (small spot or mark for example), it will only bother you more and more as time goes on. In other words, go with your gut, don't talk yourself into buying it just because its rare.

Nysoto

How do you know it is actually rare? Rarity ratings are often overstated due to lack of information, old data, or dealer hype. Talk to the leading expert in the series and get their opinion on rarity.

How frequent does it appear in auctions and mail bids sales? Have you researched the series?

For my own series, if the coin is truly rare R.6 or higher, you may only get an opportunity once every three years or so. The rarity itself can make the coin appealing. Grade is less important, but I would much rather have a coin that is fairly original, as a worn but original rarity has a lot of character.

Bill

coinguy89

Lakesammman, I wish I could just look at one of those. Eagle Eye has the one in silver which is a great token and totally killer in appeal, but is too much at the current time.

goose3, Maybe my icon will be the token I buy. I've been looking at that one for quite some time. They usually come with the holes in them, most of the Wealth of the South or pro south peices were holed.

BillJones, Im not in any need for a particular token. I am if you remember still working on my R-1 collection. I believe there are 87 that I am in need of. Yes twenty grand is a record price, set by the hunting dogs in copper, talk to Bret I believe he's the one who sold it.

Nysoto, you are exactally right, that's what im doing now. I've found most of the R-8's an R-9's that are actually R-7's and the R-7's that are actually R-9's. But to most who one would buy cwt's from, this is common knowledge and prices are already expensive.

ziggy29

First and foremost, for that much money, the coin has to *wow* me relative to the price. I wouldn't spend $2,000 on a $2,000 coin, or even a $2,500 coin, unless I looked at it and on first AND subsequent impressions, I told myself I wanted it in my collection.

If it doesn't grab you on first impression, your best bet is probably to pass.

Don't buy the coin on first impression. And also, don't let a coin "grow on you" when you didn't like it at first. Chances are, the reason you didn't like it at first will resurface and make you question your purchase. Make sure you like it on first impression, AND on subsequent viewings once the "honeymoon" has worn off. I have some coins I liked at first but grew to view as bad purchases. (But I've never had a coin I didn't like at first, bought later, and continued to like. First impressions are usually right.)

flaminio

First thing I take into account is how much my wife is going to kick my ass when she finds out...

ziggy29

<< <i>First thing I take into account is how much my wife is going to kick my ass when she finds out... >>

I've reminded my wife, with mostly success, that *my* hobbies tend to retain their value (if not gain) over time. Shoe shopping doesn't do that. :-)

This summer, I had far less trouble convincing her to let me buy an XF 1877 IHC than I expected. Once I realized that, it was still easier moving forward. And as I said -- if she thought I was wasting money on my "hobby," I'd ask her to compare her "hobbies" to mine and see what each of us has to show for them in ten years.