Poll Question: What matters most when you’re buying a coin?

Eye Appeal then Strike. Then era for F-VF-XF and AU. i.e., early 1800s or early 20th century.
Not crazy about MS, though I have a few. Mostly gold.

Name and Address withheld

When buying a coin, a very important consideration is eye appeal, regardless of its grade. If a coin doesn't look good to me, I won't buy it. I've seen coins certified MS 65 that I wouldn't touch with a 10-foot pole! The value also has to be there for me to buy a coin. If it's not worth the asking price, I will not buy it. There's no coin that I have to have at any price. There are plenty of other coins to buy.

Louis Ludiciani, Cumberland, R.I.

Authenticity in this marketplace for certain!!! Then rarity, then look of the coin, visually, then price!

Name and Address withheld

I looked for high grade, FDI, and mintage. Seems many coming out in 2025 and 2026 with low mintage. I prefer U.S. mint, but have bought a few from Perth and the UK. 

Tim K, Mech, Pa.

As a senior coin investor, these are my key points when buying any coin:

+ Graded by NGC or PCGS

+ Actual grade.

+ Appeal, NO toning.

+ Population data.

+ Price.

+ Does it fit into my collection? 

If the coin meets "ALL" the above requirements, then I'll consider buying it, otherwise I'll pass on the coin.  

Name and Address withheld

Mostly, but not every time… condition is the biggest factor for me when purchasing a coin.

Name and Address withheld

 Eye appeal, which includes a sharp strike, the lack of unsightly carbon specks, sans contact marks that can be seen with the naked eye, and on cent denominations, MORE red than brown coloration on coins graded "RB." Price matters least if the coin comes up to my specifications/expectations because a premium quality coin will generally hold or exceed its value down the road.

Sam Lukes, Visalia, Calif.

Hate buying a good-looking coin at a fair price only to find out upon grading it was "cleaned ". Now, any coin over $100.00 must be graded by a recognized quality firm.

Name and Address withheld

When I buy, my personal criteria are type (of coin), date, and condition.

Name and Address withheld

First thing I look for is does the coin have a great look to it at first glance, what attracted me to the coin at first glance, if it's uncirculated, I  look for is it real, how is the luster, is it original surfaces, how is the strike, how is the toning, if it has some, is it original and attractive.

If it’s a proof cameo- how is the contrast between the fields and devices, in silver proof cams, how is the strike, could it be an ultra cam, are there any milk spotting, and most important to me, how is the contrast, is it black fields vs white cameo devices or more of a subtle cameo. If it’s a circulated coin I look for original skin, maybe a bit crusty, how are the surfaces, do they have many dings from a few years in circulation, or are they a bit cleaner? Has the coin been cleaned or burnished, and is it original? How was the strike, and are there any edge bruises or noticeable marks on the coin? Then I look at the TPG holder if it has one, and do I agree with the grade, and lastly the price.

Roy, Address withheld