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This is one of the major problems with any kind of social media, Facebook and the like, that a missed comma from a face we don't know can equal an offence equivalent to killing the neighbour's dog (not sure why a dog, maybe the neighbour, then?)! The point being, you do have to read between the lines, sometimes, even when online-communicating with someone you're relatively familiar with (in a cyber context)! I didn't read any malice in Dave's, or anyone else's comments for that matter, because, for me, it was business as usual in the way I interpreted all the different posts, by all of the different personalities on here. Perhaps some of the latter comments may not of been my own choice of words, and can see how easily they may have offended Fluke (though I think he flared, even before those comments) or others! But, speaking for myself, I would still prefer a diverse forum, provided it stays within reasonable social boundaries, that is true to the general mix of coinies we might meet in the real world. I'd say the general thread here had a good balance of individuals, with everyone offering an olive branch! Even the Scot (albeit his olive branch a thorny thistle), had a go, in his own special way! It'd be great to have you back, Fluke, but there are a lot of people on here...all of them will give you good advice, but maybe not everyone can wink at you, and chink your glass, to reassure you they are on your side! At least not all of the time! So, anyway, Colin has been on and shot us down with our cleaning theories which, just goes to show, you need to stick around, otherwise you'll never get to know who ways right about that! and this is the reality of a coin forum, Fluke! You going to have a glass with us all? We're not that bad! Honest! ?

The 'fuss' is hardly about the coin, it is about the way members of this forum demonstrated singular lack of tact and encouragement towards a self professed novice coin collector who was asking for our assistance, and it is not edifying to see the main protagonists' attempts at self justification after the event. Truths can be told in such a way as to avoid being challenging or demeaning, if the desire is there. As a relative newbie myself, over the last few months I have come to know the various characters on this forum, and their likely approach to a topic, from whom a rant is likely and from whom a more considered opinion, and I wouldnt argue that one is less acceptable or necessarily less instructive than the other, but I do know which approach would get me more engaged in the hobby and the forum and give me the opportunity to learn. Is the forum to be merely a battleground between established personalities, verbally and numismatically, or is there a place for encouraging beginners? I am sure members who have thick skin and have grown a pair will not be offended by this suggestion. Jerry

Back to the original coin, unfortunately it is the commoner type of 1881H farthing, Cooke Type A (My Reverse type 1). The H is lower in the scarcer variety, however they often do get confused by the description H to the left. Judging from the photo I don't think the coin has been cleaned, but given the fact that it is the more common variety, the value would only be a few pounds. As for grading, definitely VF, marginally maybe a bit better Don' get too put off by the friendly welcome here...it is all part of the initiation!!

I still clearly remember my entrance onto the forum, right on the tail-end of the 'Bullion Smelting Saga,' which was as hot a period as I can remember on here! And quite innocently I joined to ask the question 'is it legal to smelt silver coins'? Oh, boy, did that bring the house down! My first knock-back came from Nick! I laugh about it now, and feel thankful I hung on in there...I would've missed a great deal otherwise! I feel certain Fluke will take a look in, just like I did...c'mon Fluke, it's a great place to learn!

Paulus, Nicely put. Dave what I'm referring to is the lack of 'graciousness' at times. I'm not suggesting that views should not be exchanged even robustly. But that can always be done in a way that dignifies others. Mark