Since you know what the foliage will look like once it reappears, the form of the tree out of leaf would take precedence, IMO. The only time I'd really need to see a maple in leaf would be one whose cultivar characteristics and/or seasonal coloration was unknown to me. Go for the bones!!

As to planting now, in my climate, no problem :-) But I'm not in zone 5B! If you perceive these as a deal not to pass by, then by all means purchase now. Rather than planting however, I would probably opt to just sink the pot in the soil for winter cold protection and plant correctly when the appropriate time arrives in spring.

Thanks for the reply 'gardengal'.

I actually found a different nursery whose potted, now dormant "Aureu," was much larger than the other I was considering. Specifically it was in a 15 gallon container and 5 feet in height from the top of the pot.

(Picture below)

It is now in permanently in the ground with lots of mulch around the base and I have sheltered it with a burlap perimeter.

I do have a question though.

I watered it well when it went in the ground but given the time of year with freezing temps now common place...so how often and how much does one water under these conditions?