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Wrong. They weren't a 'product' in any way shape or form. They were trials for new coins, rejected in the end, but not intended ever for sale or circulation. They are fascinating glimpses into the life of the coinage and of the Royal Mint when it was a non-profit making offshoot of the Treasury. The RM is now a company that exists to make money in addition to minting currency. If there's an interest in those commercial products, then fine. But please, let's not pretend it has any firm connection with numismatics.

I was going to comment on how I hate all the 'made for profit' rubbish that various mints churn out, but then I decided not to.

Here's one from Scarborough with Leopard head (Nelson)

I just love the search.....bought a few bad uns.....bit like women although I don't pay....sort of keeps me balanced....whooops.

Interestingly, under the heading George VI (1936 - 52), in relation to mint darkened coins, Freeman says this:- "Some pennies of other years also appear to have been treated with 'hypo' unofficially" ETA: With regard to 1944 undarkened, I found this - no idea how experienced or knowledgeable the guy is, but he sounds as though he knows his onions. Of course, the last paragraph takes me back to my thread on mint darkened 1935 pennies (or the possibility thereof).

Yes, I've certainly heard of 1944 undarkened, but they're very scarce. 1946 come in both flavours, but the mint darkened type I would say is more common. Here's an interesting one - a 1940 penny that appears to have been darkened, which is unheard of in my experience. https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1940-George-VI-Penny-Bronze-Coins-KM-Coins/173869777932?_trkparms=aid%3D555018%26algo%3DPL.SIM%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D57477%26meid%3Db06794f45fd54bc19020d9507f8e7f09%26pid%3D100005%26rk%3D2%26rkt%3D12%26sd%3D192893122637%26itm%3D173869777932&_trksid=p2047675.c100005.m1851 I've just taken a punt on it (made an offer which was accepted) - I'll see in hand if it actually is Mint toned. If not, I'll have a standard 1940 penny to sell.

When google was in the infinite stage I googled 1698 farthing everyday..both got a home back in blighty. I paid $10 Canadian for my exurge and a bit more (so called XF legend)...but I kept them and filled my collection.....well 1718,1693 a decent both G's over...just got a small trident ....can't be saying.

I live near there👍

There's a very decent collection at the Lady Lever in Port Sunlight too.

Yes, absolutely. We can now safely establish there are 2 kinds of coin collector, operating in ever-further apart worlds. The only thing I'd say is that "coins" not for currency are not coins at all really. Patterns and proofs are also not for circulation but at least they connect to currency in real and interesting ways.

I will never ever believe that someone could buy a coin of that prestige and money, without at least knowing the series inside out, it beggars belief. In fact I don’t believe it...it’s eBay, after all, he’s bidding on that to install false confidence, that’s my theory.