Values in references
help by providing an idea of the relative value compared to other coins.
The primary
price factor for
ancient coins (and all collectibles) is "does it
complete a set." For example, someone collecting one coin of every emperor will pay quite a
bit for the more difficult emperors. "Set completion" is why some rather dull U.S. coins cost a fortune. Someone "needs" them. What comprises a set in
ancient coins can be hundreds of different things.
Rarity alone means little. It is not difficult to buy an extremely
rare ancient coin variety for the
price of a
hamburger.
Rarity plus set desirability determines
price. If a coin is the challenging coin to
complete any
type of "set," it will cost more.
The second
price factor for
ancient coins is
eye appeal. Beautiful coins command premium prices. It doesn't matter what
type it is. If it has
eye appeal it costs more. A lot more. Grade is
part of
eye appeal, but only
part.
Eye appeal includes design, artistry,
quality of engraving and strike,
patina and whatever else makes a coin look nice.
The next most important factor in determining is popularity. Even common
denarii of
Tiberius cost a lot because they are
tribute pennies.
Everything else
comes after that.
Eye appeal can't be cataloged.
Eye appeal can't be given a number grade. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Buy the most beautiful coins you can for the
price you can pay and you will have the best
collection for the
money you spend.
