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I've just finished conserving my 1893 short proof set box, and I thought I would share the results. The first pic shows the box in its original state with dozens of scuffs, a broken wooden lid and damaged hinge. I've now re-glued the wood, repaired the hinge and used acrylic paint to touch up the scuffs, followed by a couple of treatments with with hide food. The results are in the second pic. I must say that I'm very pleased with the results. The box hasn't been restored to brand new, but it does look very much nicer than it did when I got it. Just need to visit the bank to put the coins in, and then its onto the next project of sourcing a 1887 set plus box!! Sorry about the slightly blurry image of the second pic.

Is it just me, or are the '3's' in the 1903 open 3 penny and the 1903 florin very similar? If any member has an example of both, it may be worth measuring the size of the '3', and if they are the same size, it's not beyond imagination that the open 3 penny occurred because someone picked up the florin punch by mistake? If this has been discussed before, apologies- this idea just occurred to me, and I can't find it in a search of the site.....

Yes, I know it has been mounted and repaired, but still an attractive design. The Hapsburg chin was the clincher for me:

I had a quick look at the obvious ones in Krause .Canadian 1 cent is a flat topped 3, Jamaica is different and Guernseys 1903 was done by Heatons .If it is a punch for a foreign one , it will take a bit of work or good luck to find it.

Its a different style IMO ,its fatter and the ends not the same.

That is very interesting, the ‘open 3’ punch must have come from somewhere in the mint’s stock, and it looks like they were using that font on the florin at least, even if not the same size. As you say, they need measuring. And possibly a look at Krause, as the mint may well have used that font for foreign coins they struck. Jerry

Not possible IMO - the florin date is tiny compared to the penny. It just wouldn't work.

Not an exact match I would say, though similar. We need photos of the two to the same magnification. Is there a list anywhere of the RM’s overseas production during 1902/3? Anyone with a copy of Krause and time on their hands? Jerry

... and a closer view of the date.

Or mine! More tarnished but maybe more detail?

Makes me think my own (not very good) example would fetch over £300..