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And may you all have a healthy and prosperous new year . Terry

Yesterday at the Midland Coin Fair, an F28 for only £3. Always worth a rummage. Jerry

I often get asked how hammered coins were made (beyond the 'hammered' bit), so put together a quick, light-hearted step-by-step guide. Thought it might be handy for those new to the field. Step 4 is by far my favourite.

Thanks for that Michael , I knew that he was a Nepolionic Veteran, but because I found the picture on a French site, I assumed he was French . As you probably know he was pictured with a woman who I assume was his wife [ Picture below] . I used the picture because my wife thought there to be a resemblance to me 😟 . I do hope though that I don't look as grouch as he dose . Ironically my son in law has two ancestors who fought at Trafalgar , one of whom who lost a leg and survived , I myself had a three times Gr Grandfather named Thomas Mason who fought in the American War of Independence and was with Conwallis when he finally surrendered at Yorktown in 1781. He must have started his military career when he was recruited into the Third Reg. of Foot [The Buffs] in London, probably taking the Kings Shilling while drunk, as he then absconded only to be recaptured by a bounty hunter and sent to the Savoy Prison [ The converted old Palace which was where the Savoy Hotel now stands ] He went on to rise up to the rank of Sergeant and serve for twenty years.

I have now got hold of one of these, in pretty presentable condition too, and can confirm the high final 6 and a date spacing of perhaps 10.75 beads (definitely narrower than Gouby BP1866Aa.) Interestingly too, this one has a dirty big die crack through the ship - maybe that's why the die was discarded soon on and not many specimens escaped?

I sometimes wonder whether, if I won the lottery and bought a big pile of rarities at an auction, which lets face it, is rather easy to do, I would get half the pleasure that I get from finding a worn rarity at the bottom of an old tin of crap like has happened on occasion...... ...and I can show off the found gem on here, instead of just hiding a pile of expensive bronze in a bank vault where no-one can see them.....

Of course Richard, you really don’t need to ask me, it’s to the benefit of all penny collectors and a bit like organ donation, the presumption should be towards the greater good unless the donor has specifically objected. Jerry

And a 1875 'cannonball' from an online dealer, £11 plus £2.50 postage.

A Geordie was told by his wife to go and buy a carpet........he came back with a Ford Fiesta.

£15,150.

I haven't bought much lately but I did get this from the Sovereign Rarities auction - unusual wide date.

This is the 1885 penny that you really want. I could kick myself for missing out on this a few years ago.

This post has unfolded quite unexpectedly, really nice when that happens. I’m definitely 1 & 2…primarily 1 & 2…but knowledge and the vanity that accompanies it, sometimes gets me a little excited by 3, in the hope I may one day achieve 5, as I endlessly haemorrhage in pursuit of this staggering beautiful and fascinating pastime!

There was an explosion yesterday in a Japanese car parts factory - apparently it was raining Datsun cogs.

Time to show some recent acquisitions, I have had a couple of bargains in the last couple of weeks. Firstly a nice 1898 'last 8 bisects' from the last Midland coin fair, unrecognised and £35.

I thought this 1926 ME I picked up recently for £250 was quite a lucky find.

I have rung the wife and told her I my be a little late home

Cattleya Mossiae recently flowering in my court yard.