R8 or R7+ is it a big difference which it be?
Realone
Posts: 18,519 ✭✭✭✭✭
ie how important for you would it be if the coin that you owned was an R8 and not an R7+?
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Let's also remember these rarity numbers are hardly a science -- who knows what's hiding out there, so today's R8 could be tomorrows R6.
I don't know, but that "+" sure looks good!
......I collect old stuff......
Edit for clarity
Generally, it would not make much difference to me if my coin was an R8 or an R7 since both indicate a very rare coin that is likely a prize to own.
I wouldn't take an R8 variety that was otherwise average over an R7 variety of the same type that was much nicer.
I can personally relate to this at one level down - R7 vs. R6. My silver Myddelton is an R6 with approximately 25 known. But it's a high grade, well-pedigreed piece with exceptional eye appeal. It's a real 'wow" coin, imho. I traded a copper Myddelton for it. The copper Myddelton is an R7 coin with approximately 12 known. The copper piece was nice...but not as nice as the silver.
It was easy for me to decide that I wanted the silver piece and the difference in rarity was not important to me.
<< <i>My silver Myddelton is an R6 with approximately 25 known
The copper Myddelton is an R7 coin with approximately 12 known >>
Doesn't the scale increase, ie aren't there more R7 coins than R6 coins?
RayP
http://macrocoins.com
<< <i>
<< <i>My silver Myddelton is an R6 with approximately 25 known
The copper Myddelton is an R7 coin with approximately 12 known >>
Doesn't the scale increase, ie aren't there more R7 coins than R6 coins?
RayP >>
Nope. The higher the number...the rarer (more rare?) the coin.
R-1 Common
R-2 Not So Common
R-3 Scarce
R-4 Very Scarce (population est. at 76-200)
R-5 Rare (31-75)
R-6 Very Rare (13-30)
R-7 Extremely rare (4-12)
R-8 Unique or Nearly So (1, 2 or 3)
I tend to think that with a lot of folks, it is all about the money, (I own something that is worth more than yours, because mine is in better condition).
With other folks, it is a wild trip on the ego train to own the best or the most; either way, the variety collector is alienated to a certain extent because there exists a breed of collector that considers rarity of prime importance over market value or condition.
Sure, given a choice of the MS68 or the EF40 of two coins of the exact same variety, it would take an idiot to show indifference, but given the choice between an MS68 R-2, and an EF40 R-6, well, I am one of those individuals that will choose the EF40 R-6 every time. To me, rarity is the prime factor in coin purchase. Condition takes a back seat, whether the coin has been cleaned or not is but a very trivial matter, and market value is not even a consideration at all.
I do understand the importance of condition, market value, and owning extensive collections of only the 'best' coins, and I do not fault or envy anyone for their pursuit of such goals. I collect strictly for my own gratification though, and am not influenced (much less motivated) by the driving forces of the opposing consensus that surrounds me.
So, in lieu of the near certainty that most will think that I am either an idiot or simply migrated here from another planet, I would say that the difference between an R-7+ and an R-8 is a big deal to me. (Yes, I do agree with the notion that these numbers are not a science, and may change in the future, but I live for today, and today... my R-8 IS an R-8 to me).
They all look real old.
Camelot
Many 19th century proofs are much rarer than such 'keys' as a 1909-S VDB cent or a 1901-S quarter. Demand drives the price.
<< <i>I do want to make wise purchases, but it depends only on my interest level. >>
It sounds like you are making the right purchases!