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Too rare and it is impossible to build a collector base unless as part of a broader collection. As a case study, it is only in the last two or three years that thrymsas have become collectable. This is due to the still small, but larger numbers than before the metal detectorists meaning that the dozen varieties can now be assembled, whereas previously you would have been lucky to acquire more than one or two. It is for the same reason that many avoid proofs and patterns which are frequently only known in single figure quantities for any given variety. As a consequence, the denomination collector will likely acquire one or two examples only of the commoner types, if at all. Forget the ESC rarity values. There are R6s and R7s with double digit populations. Conversely there are Rs and R2s which never appear. Do your homework. The rarities are likely to be highlighted in auction catalogues, so all you have to do is work out which ones appear, how often, and how many of these are the same pieces reappearing.

This is an interesting discussion. As a collector of sixpences, I have a pretty good feel for which coins show up often and which ones hardly ever show up. And this has very little to do with what ESC says the rarity is or with book values. To a large extent it is a question of experience and knowing your field. When it comes to prices it really depends. For auction prices it is all about who is bidding on the day. Sometimes the prices go high, sometimes you can get a good deal. Sometimes a dealer can be cheaper for the same coin than an auction when all costs are considered. Again, it becomes a question of experience and also of researching past prices to get an idea of market value. After that you need to know how much of a premium over market you are willing to pay to get the coin.

This occurs across several dates, I prefer the description unbarred A's because on a vast majority hints of cross bars can be seen. I will not classify them unless there is indisputable evidence that the bar is not just weak.