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That legend is in high enough relief to have been made from Lego.

They are called privy marks. Wikipedia on privy marks "Originally a small mark or differentiation in the design of a coin for the purpose of identifying the mint, moneyer, or some other aspect of the coins production or origin, for control purposes." Some more information here about privy marks on Henry VI coins. http://www.vosper4coins.co.uk/ivanbuck/Buck-3.htm

Perhaps he read it as George VIP lol

They are not an indicator of forgeries. They are called annulets .common on lots of hammered coins .I am sure they are there for a reason ,and I am sure one of the hammered experts will tell us both why lol.

Yes dont call heads

I have no problem with questioning or even attacking the TPGs. I stay out of these arguments simply because I do not "get" the whole principle of locking coins away in plastic coffins. For me the joy of "collecting" is finding coins - often in unexpected places and at low prices - to add to my collection, regardless of grade. When I can, I improve the grade of the coins I have and move on the redundant ones. The thrill is in the hunt and filling the gaps. Graded and encapsulated coins seem to me much more of an investment or commodity based game, which is alien to me. Hence I do not give a fig for the debates back and forth on which TPGs grade how and which system is right or wrong. If I like a coin and I can afford it, I buy it. If it happens to be in a plastic coffin, I will break it out - unless it is so valuable it makes more sense to sell it on as it is. Watch me get flamed for stating my opinion - another reason why I usually stay out of these debates.And @ozjohn please don't leave - this forum moves pretty slowly, so the lack of opinion from others is more to do with the number of people watching.

I am not a believer in making the statement that if coin A grades X in the US that automatically it grades Y in the UK. The best strategy in buying quality coins is understanding the series, the strike characteristics, lustre and originality with the goal of buying the coin that represents quality for the grade that is affordable. A coin really cannot change unless it is enhanced. And most often that is done with the intent of getting a higher grade from TPG. An opinion of a coin can change given that grading is merely an opinion. So my point is do not lose sight of the coin and it's characteristics, how it compares to other examples within the series and how available the coin is based on its state of preservation. There is a condition rarity factor that should be factored into buying.

Not as VIP as far as I can see. The description was: "George VI Proof Crown 1937 PR67 Cameo NGC, Royal mint, KM857. Tied with one other proof for finest known to date at NGC this lightly frosted crown is an exceptionally well defined with flawless fields. We anticipate spirited bidding for the lot. From the Cape Coral Collection of British Crowns" https://coins.ha.com/itm/great-britain/world-coins/great-britain-george-vi-proof-crown-1937-pr67-cameo-ngc-/a/3063-35044.s?ic4=GalleryView-ShortDescription-071515 He really needs to stop and reflect on what he is doing.

Here's the link to the die numbers on Tony Clayton's site that Declan mentions above: http://www.coins-of-the-uk.co.uk/dieno.html

The duty from the USA is a killer for me too. I would buy more fossils and coins from there, but the duty and vat and postage just makes it too dear. I don't like the in your face MEGA AWESOME UNCIRCULATED SILVER AND GOLD COIN HOUSE CLEARANCE SALE deals that get advertised... you think you are going to get a chest full of silver dollars and you get a handful of dimes, lol. You have to read the small print. Wouldn't be so bad... proof dimes are lovely, but with the duty, vat, postage they are expensive.

International postage went way up in January for the USA. I use to be able to sent a 2 ounce package to the UK for about $6.50...it is now $13.23 for the same pkg. That increase, along with the UK mandated Vat tax, really hurts international business.

I don't see anything wrong with the above. The guy is in business and a business is supposed to make a profit. Your memories are not his problem. There is a programme on TV called Pawn Stars where this pawn shop buys stuff from people. The number of individuals who don't seem to understand that the shop had to pay overheads such as rent, utilities and wages as well as providing a living for its owners and, as a result, cannot pay retail prices is amazing. When I was in business and clients were haggling over rates, I would sometimes respond that we were not a charity. I don't have a problem with a business pointing this out to potential sellers. It has the merit of clarity.

i'm still waiting for the royal mint to get back about the vip proofs etc, i have 2 frosty ones, this being the frostier, the reverse isnt as frosty as the obverse