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<p>[QUOTE=&quot;Valentinian, post: 4056737, member: 44316&quot;]We all know that coins in better condition cost more--sometimes a lot more. Not long ago we had a thread in which a US nickel in MS68+ was $25,000 when the same type in MS66 was listed at $85. That seems crazy to me.</p><p><a href="https://www.cointalk.com/threads/which-coin-is-a-better-investment.347257/" class="internalLink ProxyLink" data-proxy-href="https://www.cointalk.com/threads/which-coin-is-a-better-investment.347257/">https://www.cointalk.com/threads/which-coin-is-a-better-investment.347257/</a></p><p><br /></p><p>But, we in ancient coins are not immune to condition-fever. I bought this coin recently at a well-publicized public auction for under $25, shipping included:</p><p><br /></p><p>[ATTACH=full]1062573[/ATTACH] </p><p>It is a large Byzantine follis of Anastasius. At 34 mm (a US half dollar is under 31 mm) and 18.08 grams it is pretty impressive in hand. It has lots of wear and an uneven strike, but a bold obverse legend and a very good patina. It is Sear <i>Byzantine Coins</i> 19.</p><p><br /></p><p>If the type were in better condition it would cost more--maybe a lot more.&nbsp; Take a look at this example from the recent Triton auction of CNG:</p><p><a href="https://auctions.cngcoins.com/lots/view/4-7O8FQ/" target="_blank" class="externalLink ProxyLink" data-proxy-href="https://auctions.cngcoins.com/lots/view/4-7O8FQ/" rel="nofollow">https://auctions.cngcoins.com/lots/view/4-7O8FQ/</a></p><p><br /></p><p>[ATTACH=full]1062577[/ATTACH] </p><p><br /></p><p>The CNG coin is obviously much better. However, it cost the buyer $5400 plus shipping. That is over 200 times as much.</p><p><br /></p><p>I talk on the phone with distant friends about the balance between condition and price. It is not an easy-to-decide consideration. </p><p><br /></p><p>If you see a type you want and it is significantly cheaper you are willing to pay, but also in lesser condition than you would prefer, do you buy it anyway because it is cheap for the type? Or, if you don&#039;t buy it and the next one is even better than the usual condition you choose, but significantly higher-priced, do you pay the premium? Or, maybe you don&#039;t worry about the condition/price balance and just buy a coin you want at what it costs because &quot;That&#039;s what it costs.&quot;&nbsp; </p><p><br /></p><p>We&#039;d love to hear your thoughts on condition and price.[/QUOTE]</p><p><br /></p>

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