Which is worth more to collectors?

bgrice

I'm still pretty new to coin collecting, so I thought I would ask this. Theoretically.... if you had the choices between the following two MS-65 coins slabbed(by let's say PCGS) which would you chose? I'm not any kind of expert as to what designates MS65 on any particular coin, so just assume that both could be graded MS65.

Coin #1 - Above average strike with no handling(ticks, nicks) damage.

Coin #2 - Strong strike downgraded from MS66 or MS67 due to handling(a few ticks/nicks).

Hedger

As stated by many wise people of the board, "Buy the coin not the plastic." Coin 1 would be my choice. Then it would be worth submitting and getting a higher grade possibly.

TommyType

Today, "eye appeal" is king. Most people when asked to grade a coin (me included), looks first for marks. Strike and Luster seem to be secondary, unless one of them is noticably a problem.

So, given the choices you gave, I think most people would go for the mark free coin.

ziggy29

While a judgment call, I'd generally prefer a coin with fewer marks and problems.

morganbarber

TommyType is correct. It has to do with "eye appeal" which is immeasurable, varies from person to person, and is ultimately the decider of value.

cladking

For me it depends on the series. For series which are rarely seen with nice full strikes I'd
always go for the better strike, but for series where there is usually little difference in strike
and/ or many examples are well-struck then I'd go for the cleaner coin.