Honest. My private opinion. I hope nobody feels bad about it. There are certain coins that I buy for a certain reason. I buy a Brutus or Julius Caesar denarius because I want to see that it is Brutus or Julius Caesar. For example, I would like to buy a Marc Antony / Cleopatra coin. But then I want to be able to recognise both on the coin to some extent. But then I have to pay as much money as a small car costs. That's not possible for me for a coin as a pure hobby. So I would have to buy a Marc Antony / Cleopatra coin with a portrait that is so bad that I can hardly recognise either of them. But honestly - then I'd rather not buy a Marc Antony / Cleopatra coin! Either I can afford a type and can at least buy a coin in good condition - or if I can't, then I'd rather not. So if I buy a Brutus or Julius Caesar or Pompey - then I also want to have a reasonably good portrait and Brutus, Caesar or Pompey should be clearly legible on the coin. Otherwise I don't need to buy one. The portrait is flat, the legend is flat and barely legible. I would not buy the coin. For the money of a bad Caesar, I'd rather buy a good Vespasian or Trajan or or or... And let's get away from preservation. You should always bear one thing in mind. In times when coin prices become somewhat more favourable again, the coins that are in demand remain stable in value. Poor quality mass-produced coins, on the other hand, will fall significantly in value and you will make a big loss later on. I am currently noticing that prices for coins in poor condition are falling significantly and dealers are lowering prices - while good coins are still in demand. But this is my personal subjective opinion and nobody has to share it with me! PS: if you have any questions about authenticity, further information is required. Diameter? Weight? And pictures of the rim are also important.
This is an interesting topic, would probably make for an engaging thread to get peoples perspectives on these types of things. Personally, I have a list of coins (people) that I want for my collection. I have a price range that I stick to, and I of course try to get the best coins that I can afford. But when it comes to the higher-priced people, I'm happy to go to the top of my price range for a "junky" example. In short, I'd rather have an ugly example than no example at all. Case in point, here is my Zenobia. Certainly not the most aesthetically pleasing coin, but I paid up for it and it's honestly a favorite in my collection: As for the OP Denarius, my first thought was "That's a denarius?" I'd call it a F condition wise, the corrosion is evenly distributed which doesn't detract much from the bust, which is pretty decent IMO. Problem is, with so many "attractive" JC denarii out there, people are going to tend to pass on a coin like this. If I were trying to pick it up in auction at what I felt was a good price, I wouldn't pay a total of more than $600 for it. I'm not taking the type and so forth into account though, just judging based on your typical denarius.
The point is, of course, that you also have to consider whether you can get a type in very good condition at all! Some coin types are only available on the open market in moderate condition every few years. From Zenobia, for example, certain types are simply not available often or not at all in the best condition. But you can get a Caesar in better quality - depending on the type - for a reasonable price if you are patient. You have to look and wait - but there are plenty of good coins from Uncle Julius at a fair price.
This is where personality overlaps collectible condition. I like the price on this one, but for a grand more I can get a really decent JC coin. Maybe I should just wait. I keep in touch with several pawn shops around and they are all telling me that people are bringing in their collections to pawn like crazy. Maybe if thinks keep slowing down economically I can get a good price on one. Collectibles are the first thing to get hit if the economy goes down.
Not sure everyone will agree a lifetime portrait coin of JC can be had for what everyone considers a "fair price". Everyone has different budgets. Same could be said by others that you can obtain a Antony/Cleopatra tetradrachm at a "reasonable" price. Gets down to what everyone personally considers "reasonable". I am with you OP, I go back and forth what details I want versus price. I searched for over a decade for the Cleopatra tetradrachm I bought, settling on a gF-aVF example for what I considered a "reasonable" price. However, I am aware that many collectors would not consider that very "fair". The OP coin to me is a little more worn than I would want. I always wanted a centered example, full legend, aVF or higher. I finally lucked into one last month after looking for quite a few years. However, my budget is mine, not like anyone else's.
Just curious, what is the asking price on this? Please do not share where it is available, but of course price affects attractiveness of a coin if purchase is being considered.
It's from Praefectus Coins. One of my favorite VC dealers. They don't sell trash, sometimes the coins are priced fairly and sometimes it's expensive. This JC has been sitting for a long time, years. I almost considered getting it, but I wanted a lifetime. I don't care what a few others say on here, it's still a nice coin and I personally love "Hoard Patina". YOTHR post made me . Not everyone can afford perfect legends and so on.
Hmm, just looked at it. Non-lifetime is an important consideration to many. For $1200 in that grade I guess I would expect a lifetime example, or if non-lifetime a little more details personally. My guess is in 5 years people will come back to this thread and scream its a no brainer and worth it, but the market today I would: 1. Go for a lifetime issue if that matters to you 2. Go for similar with better details 3. Offer him less if you really like the coin. JC coins are right up there with Cleopatra. Prices continue to move up stronger than most other ancients. I attribute it to non-ancient collectors buying slabs, and wanting names they know about.
It's a solid coin if it could be had for a reasonable price. But at $1200, I personally wouldn't even consider it. Like you said, if it's within your financial wheelhouse, spending a bit more money on a better coin will definitely pay off. It'll hurt a bit now but your future self, while appreciating the coin many times, will thank you for it. If the time comes when you decide to sell, your future self will also thank you for that.
The same applies to me! I had written that too. Have you not read? I can't afford to buy certain coins either. And it's my opinion - I'd rather not run a coin if I can't afford it on a budget than be annoyed by poor quality for a long time. I also have to do without many types of coins because they cost me too much money in good quality.
