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This is the coin that @Paddy drew our attention to a week or two back. He was selling it on e bay, and I was the only bidder. Just received today. It may be a common date, but this is no common representation of it. UNC, a truly superb strike, great hair detail, totally flawless and with immaculate toning. I initially though that the obverse was EF, but in hand, I'm half inclined to think that what appears at first glance to be wear at the highest points is in fact residual lustre. But either way, it's still a truly outstanding specimen, and amazing value at only £19.95. Thanks Paddy from a very satisfied customer (apologies, again, I've got that colour variation)

Do we need moderating? Oops, we didn't...

The CCF boards for reporting fakes have been made private. I'll be a member by close of business today. You can apply to CCF boss bobby for entry.

short read for you :)

Just had my Microsoft Advent calendar arrive. I'm not going to open windows 8 or 10......

Was intrigued by the Freeman 189 (3 + B) penny, which is noted by him as R19. Found this really interesting article positing various theories about it. So probably F20 - unique

Why the heck slab this? Dodgy bids? https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1963-GREAT-BRITAIN-1-2-P-HALF-PENNY-NGC-MS63-RD-GOLDEN-HIND-DESIGN-HALFPENNY/372509356467?epid=102133939&hash=item56bb49b1b3:g:OnoAAOSwDJZb9ZB9

It's been pulled. Well done guys! Frank

Reported, and vendor messaged. Coins are not their thing, they may just be in ignorance . Jerry

Yes, I would agree Chris, with mine being similar to Ian's example. But I don't think there is any dispute about all 1934's actually being subject to the mint toning process. Just some coins reflect it more markedly than others.

That's quite a pale example Mike - I believe mine may be more typical? More like the MT 1940s pennies, in other words.

Yes, I think that's a Freeman slip-up. Most of the 1935s I've ever seen are lustred, in fact I can barely recall seeing a hypo example.

Most Europeans view Brexit with incredulity because for the most part, the best developed northern countries do well from the EU. These tend to have a strong balance of payments, which is reinforced, and in the case of Germany exacerbated, by the strength of their economies relative to the basket of common currency zone countries who collective average performance determines the Euro exchange rate. Most of the others at the periphery don't understand our desire to leave because they receive handouts from the EU to develop their infrastructure etc. What the latter doesn't take on board is that they are also being impoverished at a personal level by the EU because it is personal savings that get ploughed into big ticket items such as a high-end BMW or Mercedes, which of course finds its way back to the Fatherland as part of the obscene 8% of GDP trade surplus. That extravagance should sound familiar to anyone driving this country's roads. The citizens of this and other countries struggling to pay their way appear to find solace in shopping therapy - which is the exact opposite to what is required. I think in many countries it is a case of thank God someone else tried it first. Even Germany has a significant amount of anti-EU sentiment and that isn't restricted to AfD, but as always, it is the struggling countries such as Italy or Greece who see the greatest protests. People of any country living in below average conditions question why they should be left out of any benefits they see being thrown to the rich in well off areas. Same in this country. The government is still at it. Not content with one Crossrail, they felt they had to have a second, not to mention HS2. Whilst the latter is proposed at an obscene price, they couldn't even find a billion pounds to upgrade the east-west corridor railways. That for an area that has historically produced 20% of GDP, but is viewed in parliament as something you wipe off the soles of your shoes - unless they need your endorsement in an election. Not the EU's fault here, but the lack of interest from either our own government or the EU does not go un-noticed. A while back I recall the EU asked us to select someone who would help rubber-stamp decisions made in Brussels, but that is about it.

how spooky is that. my screen background as well