Rare Vs Conditional Rarity

No "black and white" answer for this, too many dependencies. In general though, you're better off with a truly rare coin. Conditional rarities and become not so rare if other specimens are found in the wild.

As already noted to many variables. For instance no one can find a certain coin. The value constantly goes up then someone finds a roll of them. Value goes down. Also, remember there is no manufacturer's list price on coins. This is why so many pricing guides conflict as to values. A coin is only worth what someone will pay for it.

At this point in time I would put money on top pop conditional rarity. There are deep pockets out there willing to lay down the large to get a top pop for their registry set. Anything below a top pop conditional rarity depends on everything as already mentioned.

Well, looking at my own collecting area (English hammered silver) coins in poor condition, however rare, seem to be struggling to find buyers at the moment.

And when I say rare, we're often talking about less than half a dozen examples known to exist in any condition at all, so potential buyers could wait years to fill that gap.

Whereas common coins in uncommon condition are going for eye-watering prices. Well over book and 3-5 times what might have been expected a year or two ago. Condition is definitely king this side of the pond.

Whether this will continue nobody knows. But any better than average coins I see at a reasonable price .. I'm buying!
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