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Thought I'd post two pennies here today. The first is an 1826 rev A plain saltire. Not the rarest, but this one is in absolutely superb condition. UNC where the red lustre has mostly faded to brown, but still showing through very brightly when the coin is turned. Really pleased with this one. The second is the 1827 I won from the recent DNW Ian Sawden collection. Again not the best, but these are extremely difficult (if not virtually impossible) to obtain in high grade. Most are worn and pitted. This shows very slight pitting. The story goes that the 1827 mintage was shipped to Australia and that whilst stored in the ship's hold, seawater got in and soaked the coins, thus causing the pitting - some much worse than others. Not seen any official corroboration, but it makes absolute sense, and is wholly believable. ETA: an uncirculated 1827 specimen fetched an eye watering £21k hammer at the December 2014 LCA.

BAD MONKEY

An 1827 in that condition would be welcomed in any collection.

Nice job. Certainly much nicer than my doggy 1827!

Yes- from about 1969 onwards, I saw loads of late Victorian pennies in change, but only ever one 1894. It's one of those strange dates that doesn't follow the rules.

Not really scarce as such, but everything from 1887 on is so common that 1894 almost stands out as an exception.

Nothing scarce but a pleasing upgrade for me:

Sarawak, Sarawak, karakakola ka karakak (karakak karakak) Sarawak, shy shy Sarawak... (Some of you will now be scratching your heads and saying "Wha--?")

Thinking this is a 14 + N pairing not listed by Freeman but recognised by Dracott? Ob legend away from Lin circle, nearly touching head and high bridge/eye format. Wide date. Not fussed if 15 though.