Grades Selected: In the past, coins in higher grade levels have performed better than well-worn, low-grade coins. However, in any given market, some grade levels, even among high grades, may be overpriced (or underpriced). It is important to study the market before buying.

Quality: I am a stickler for quality, and I suggest that you would do well to follow my footsteps. Use the technical grade of a coin, including coins in slabs, simply as the starting point to evaluate a coin. Is it well struck? Is it on a good planchet? Is it lustrous or is it dull? Is it brilliant or is it toned (and if it is toned, is the toning attractive)? Most of all, is the coin aesthetically pleasing? If it is pleasing to you, chances are good that it will be pleasing to someone else in the future. If the coin appears ugly or unattractive to you, then others will probably feel the same way when you later offer it for sale. Quality usually costs a bit more but it is worth it!

Coin Market Performance: If the coin market, or a segment of the coin market, is rising, then coins within that area will probably rise also. If the market is in decline, then even the finest coins may decline (hopefully, temporarily!) also.

Popularity: As the collector is the ultimate consumer for a given coin, the more collectors interested in a given coin or series, the better it will do as an investment. If the popularity of a particular series increases, chances are good that quality coins within that series will increase in value. If the popularity declines, prices may decline also.

Outside Considerations: The national or worldwide economy, the cost of borrowed money, rises and falls in gold and silver prices, political conditions, government regulations, etc. may affect coin values, and it is important to be aware of this.

The Key: The key to all of the above is knowledge. The more you study about coins and the coin market, the better you will do in the numismatic marketplace.