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<p>[QUOTE=&quot;Herodotus, post: 7780979, member: 111387&quot;][USER=115909]@Gam3rBlake[/USER]</p><p><br /></p><p>I apologize if I&#039;ve come across as condescending towards you in this thread (or others RE: Slabs).&nbsp; I simply disagree with what I perceive to be some misconceptions on your part, and I&#039;ve felt the need to present some veracity on the matter.</p><p><br /></p><p>I suppose that I would like to be of the same advice as that coming from [USER=74968]@Orfew[/USER] concerning the gravity in being able to physically handle ancient coins.</p><p><br /></p><p>The elation felt palming a nice broad Orichalcum Sestertius, or a chunky Silver Tetradrachm, or the heft of a thick Æ Ptolemy is something that can&#039;t truly be appreciated when a coin is encapsulated.</p><p><br /></p><p>Ancient coins are a direct tangible link to the past.&nbsp; For me personally, they help inspire a yearning to glean more knowledge about &#039;the who&#039;, &#039;the what&#039;, &#039;the where&#039;, &#039;the how&#039; and perhaps &#039;the why&#039; that the coins reflect.</p><p><br /></p><p>One of the recurring simple enjoyments for me is envisioning how these coins circulated --- To imagine that some Roman legion, or Greek hoplite, or Carthaginian sailor may have at one time owned and spent the very coin now in my possession.&nbsp; </p><p><br /></p><p>I&#039;ve never really looked at collecting ancients as an investment.&nbsp; Of course I want to feel like I&#039;ve paid the best price for my coins, and I&#039;m always looking for what I perceive to be &#039;deals&#039; based on current market demand.&nbsp; In selling them, the most that I would hope for is a reasonable percentage of what I put into them.&nbsp; Any actual real gain for me is my personal enjoyment and the enrichment gleaned from the hobby; which is tough to put a monetary value on.</p><p><br /></p><p>My purpose in challenging you on your beliefs (and what I suggest may by misconceptions) is really meant to encourage you to not limit yourself by focusing on VF 4/5 5/5 vs. XF 3/5 4/5, and instead put that coin physically in hand and read that legend, look at those devices up close.&nbsp; What does DAC CAP mean?&nbsp; Who is the deity Diana Lucifera and what does she represent? What is the reason that the Caecilli Metelli portrayed elephants on their coinage?</p><p><br /></p><p>Also, I would suggest discovering the beauty and interest in coins made from base metals other than silver.&nbsp; Recognize that some bronze patinas may actually improve a coin&#039;s &#039;eye appeal&#039;.&nbsp; These coins are old.&nbsp; Really old.&nbsp; It&#039;s OK if they look their age.&nbsp; </p><p><br /></p><p>With silver coins, at times a nice old-collection cabinet toning on a coin has much better &#039;eye appeal&#039; than a &#039;blast white&#039; one.&nbsp; It&#039;s an acquired taste.</p><p><br /></p><p>Feel the weight of the coin in your hand.&nbsp; Look at it from different angles in the light.&nbsp; It&#039;s my opinion that ancient coins are best appreciated as tangible.&nbsp; </p><p><br /></p><p>YMMV.[/QUOTE]</p><p><br /></p>

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