For me it depends on the series or the area of numismatics that I collect. As far as common US coins, eye appeal certainly can make a coin special, especially proofs (as illustrated above, drool). Rarity comes into play at the highest rarity level. I still have a half disme on my want list. If I ever track one down it will be a special coin to me. Of course that same coin also has tremendous historical importance. If there were a couple thousand survivors, it would remain a special coin, like the 48CAL. Then there is the beauty of the design. I just bought a 1725 20,000 reis as part of my foreign-that- circulated- here collection. Huge gold coin, beautifully executed, great history. Changing course, I once saw a SLQ in lovely original condition, but what made it special was the head. I’ve never seen a head with so much detail, then or since. So strike. Back to history, many colonials and territorials are special. And ancients? Eid Mar is at the top of my list. As others have said, many things can make a coin special to a collector. I can’t consistently rank one attribute over another, except perhaps within a particular area of interest. Loving this thread Al.
"No plastic can make a coin special. Only the coin itself can do that."
I don't agree with the statement above as there is a collector base that believes the plastic makes the coin more desirable. The coins that were first certified by PCGS and NGC sell for a considerable premium and are coveted by many collectors. Similarly, coins that are under graded or housed in scarce holders are also coveted by certain collectors.
Price is often a function of desirability. However, just because something has a large price tag doesn't necessarily mean that it's desirable to a large collector base. Ultimately, each collector decides what makes the coins in their collection special based on what they value the most. It may be sentimental value, historical context, precious metal content, visual appeal, state of preservation, rarity, etc. In my opinion that's one of the great things about this hobby. There are so many ways to collect and each collector gets to build their collection based on what they consider special. It would be no fun if we all agreed on what was special and everyone only collected those items...only the ultra wealthy would have the special coins....wait a minute... 🤔😂
I think the 2019 W uncirculated Lincoln Cent qualifies as a Special coin. The lowest mintage uncirculated cent with less than a quarter million produced. Thanks to the quality of the West Point Mint, special handling and individual packaging, there’s no scarcity of nice examples. Not cheap at about $50 a coin but as Lincoln’s become more collectible a good coin to have. PCGS MS68 RD
I like to call myself a three cent nickel collector even though I have shifted away from the series in the past year or so. Many times I've contemplated selling my small collection of proofs to help fund other pieces for my collection. Whenever I think about it though, I'm always caught up on which coin I want to keep as a type piece. I'd say it's a hard choice, but deep down I know I'd have to keep my 1882.
It's a common coin available in pretty much every grade, even in DCAM. It's not my rarest date and I wouldn't even call it my favorite piece, but this coin just has something that sticks with me. My other coins would be very easy to find exact duplicates. They're anonymous coins. There is no easy replacement for this coin. It's by no means a monster, but it is very pleasant on the eye
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For me it depends on the series or the area of numismatics that I collect. As far as common US coins, eye appeal certainly can make a coin special, especially proofs (as illustrated above, drool). Rarity comes into play at the highest rarity level. I still have a half disme on my want list. If I ever track one down it will be a special coin to me. Of course that same coin also has tremendous historical importance. If there were a couple thousand survivors, it would remain a special coin, like the 48CAL. Then there is the beauty of the design. I just bought a 1725 20,000 reis as part of my foreign-that- circulated- here collection. Huge gold coin, beautifully executed, great history. Changing course, I once saw a SLQ in lovely original condition, but what made it special was the head. I’ve never seen a head with so much detail, then or since. So strike. Back to history, many colonials and territorials are special. And ancients? Eid Mar is at the top of my list. As others have said, many things can make a coin special to a collector. I can’t consistently rank one attribute over another, except perhaps within a particular area of interest. Loving this thread Al.
"No plastic can make a coin special. Only the coin itself can do that."
I don't agree with the statement above as there is a collector base that believes the plastic makes the coin more desirable. The coins that were first certified by PCGS and NGC sell for a considerable premium and are coveted by many collectors. Similarly, coins that are under graded or housed in scarce holders are also coveted by certain collectors.
Price is often a function of desirability. However, just because something has a large price tag doesn't necessarily mean that it's desirable to a large collector base. Ultimately, each collector decides what makes the coins in their collection special based on what they value the most. It may be sentimental value, historical context, precious metal content, visual appeal, state of preservation, rarity, etc. In my opinion that's one of the great things about this hobby. There are so many ways to collect and each collector gets to build their collection based on what they consider special. It would be no fun if we all agreed on what was special and everyone only collected those items...only the ultra wealthy would have the special coins....wait a minute... 🤔😂
For me well struck, super luster, MS64 or higher. Then if low pop icing on the cake.
I think the 2019 W uncirculated Lincoln Cent qualifies as a Special coin. The lowest mintage uncirculated cent with less than a quarter million produced. Thanks to the quality of the West Point Mint, special handling and individual packaging, there’s no scarcity of nice examples. Not cheap at about $50 a coin but as Lincoln’s become more collectible a good coin to have. PCGS MS68 RD
I like to call myself a three cent nickel collector even though I have shifted away from the series in the past year or so. Many times I've contemplated selling my small collection of proofs to help fund other pieces for my collection. Whenever I think about it though, I'm always caught up on which coin I want to keep as a type piece. I'd say it's a hard choice, but deep down I know I'd have to keep my 1882.
It's a common coin available in pretty much every grade, even in DCAM. It's not my rarest date and I wouldn't even call it my favorite piece, but this coin just has something that sticks with me. My other coins would be very easy to find exact duplicates. They're anonymous coins. There is no easy replacement for this coin. It's by no means a monster, but it is very pleasant on the eye