Poll - What coin characteristics do you look for when purchasing?

[VOTman]

Ancient coins may be small but they pack a lot of different characteristics.  You probably have more requirements than you think.  Tell us what they are

What is it that you look for in choosing a coin to purchase?

[Carausius]

You've left out "provenance" which is a very important requirement for many collectors (me included)..

[Heliodromus]

Not so much "missing from collection" as "missing from want list". I'm generally looking for specific coins for a reason - not just because I don't have them.

I will also opportunistically buy coins not on my must-have list if they add something to my collection (meant to be a coherent whole, not just a bunch of coins).

Condition is a big factor - all design elements (aka "devices") need to be complete, and I *really* dislike fake patina - not just added desert patina, but all those look-alike grey-brown LRBs that some of the major auction houses are increasingly selling. I'd prefer an honest coin with encrustations as long as they don't obscure anything important.

Ben

[Mat]

Price is #1 for me, followed by missing from the collection. I also look at weight depending on the type.

[Ron C2]

For me, it's a combination of the above. It has to:

-fit my collecting theme
-be a coin I don't yet have, or a significant upgrade in condition
-be available
-be within my budget
-be a style I want ahead of all the other coins meeting the above criteria.

[Jochen]

I have a special collecting area, the coins of Nicopolis ad Istrum. And I only buy coins from Nicopolis ad Istrum and only if they are not yet known. This criterion is not listed here.

Best regards

[Ken W2]

Whether buying, or the result of my cleaning, overall eye appeal and being fully attributable are most important to me.  I’m not saying that all devices, legends, or marks must be visible, but they must be visible or irrefutably deducible for the coin to be fully attributable, imho. Beyond that, the more relatable the design is to particular historical events is a preference of mine.
Ken

[David Fischer]

I have always loved ancient history, and I thought I wanted to collect ancient coins primarily because their historical significance, but it has become apparent to me as my collection has progressed that I am really interested in ancient coins primarily as objects of art first and as objects of history second. I can still geek out over the history and the rarity and all of those other attributes, but if the coin doesn't speak to me aesthetically first I'm simply not interested in it.