What is your favorite attribute on MS coinage?
SanctionII
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Luster; strike; absence of marks, dings, hairlines, etc.; and toning or the absence of toning.
For me, I like luster and undamaged surfaces the best. If those two attributes are present, I can live with weaker strikes. Attractive toning, neutral toning or no toning is fine with me also.
For me, I like luster and undamaged surfaces the best. If those two attributes are present, I can live with weaker strikes. Attractive toning, neutral toning or no toning is fine with me also.
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Comments
Luster #1, Lack of Marks #2 etc...
I guess I like shiny objects.
Looking for Top Pop Mercury Dime Varieties & High Grade Mercury Dime Toners.
initially it was absence of marks more than just strike quality, but the more rolls I search and more coins I see, I have found my appreciation of a good strike increasing. Obviosuly I'd rather have both, but I think I might tolerate a grade lower but a good strike over a grade higher with a weak strike.
Mint frost on the devices
Toning
Absence of marks
Absence of hairlines
Strike
Lack of marks
Toning
Luster
President, Racine Numismatic Society 2013-2014; Variety Resource Dimes; See 6/8/12 CDN for my article on Winged Liberty Dimes; Ebay
2 Die condition
3 perfection of strike (alignment etc)
Of course the presumption is that the coin is fairly clean with no major distracting marks.
4 Surfaces
5 Special characteristics like booming luster or PL
If the coin is almost completely clean and well struck then my only concern is die condition.
Both are something that is eventually lost with wear. When it comes to crude coinage, such as early state coinage or primitively made tokens or private issues, seeing them in mint state is just something really special. Every little die scratch, polish line, repunched letter or digit. All the little imperfections that make crude coinage so wonderful and full character.
Worry is the interest you pay on a debt you may not owe.
"Paper money eventually returns to its intrinsic value---zero."----Voltaire
"Everything you say should be true, but not everything true should be said."----Voltaire
For copper coins, I prefer a smooth, hard planchet with a nice, even warm color that reminds me of milk chocolate.
For silver, I look for the same attributes in the planchet and natural but subtle toning that comes with age.
It's underappreciated by many.
<< <i>I don't observe many collectors stating it, only ambro51 in this thread ... Balance!
It's underappreciated by many. >>
That collectors would want a balance of all the positive attributes is a given.
The OP asked what's your favorite.
It's not a given from what I have seen posted.