I noticed an interesting example of a debate that intrigues me every time I go to buy a coin. Grade versus style. Collectors of ancient coins are known to pay hundreds of dollars more for a coin that is considered to be "of superior style". (Remember that not all ancient die engravers were equal, there were masters as well as apprentices working in the mints.) Both of the coins shown below are Syracusan bronzes of Heiron II, 275-215 BC. Same references. The first coin was graded by the seller VF, the second good VF. The first one, however, was engraved in a much finer style, compared to which the second one, despite the state of preservation, seems a bit crude. The seller is asking $155 for the first, $140 for the second.
Be honest now, this is just the ancient equivilent of collecting varieties. But I understand what you are saying... logically, no two sets of dies could be identical and some engravers were better then others. It's almost like collecting pieces of art rather then coins. That said, who in your mind stands out as the best master engravers/artists of the ancient world?
Now, if I insisted on collecting one of every die, THAT would be collecting varieties! As for the best engravers? Seeing as how we only know the names of a handful, I would have to say them: Kimon, Euinetos, Eukleidas, and Phrygillos. All from classical Syracuse. These were the only engravers in the ancient world to sign their coinage. http://www.kimoncoins.com/kimondek.html
I rarely assign a grade to my ancient coins. I judge every single coin on its own merits. I could care less if someone says it's an F or an XF, if I don't like it, I'm not buying. Style, preservation, patina, color, toning, price... all play a roll in my choice of ancient coins. I often times will buy a lower graded coin, even if I can afford one of a higher grade because I consider the overall aesthetics of the lower graded coin to be superior.
important topic -- never lose sight of the fact that it's all about eye appeal, whatever that means to you. there are some exceedingly well-struck and well-preserved but ugly coins out there. have you guys seen this? http://www.moneymuseum.com/standard_etage_3_english/raeume/mildenberg/index.html[/url] mr. mildenberg mentions the very idea you're discussing here several times as he sets out his "dream collection" (see also nos. 7 and 8, etc.). this is a fine example, but if you have the time and haven't seen this link before you really should check out the whole set. v.
