TomGoodheart

I've never heard of courses in grading. But then it isn't a precise science. Even grading services have been known to 'revise' grades when the same coin is resubmitted. I'm afraid there's nothing like experience! I have been surprised at times even here, on this forum, at members' grading views - and I tend to think we have a very erudite bunch indeed! But then, the coins I've been surprised at aren't the ones I specialise in and consequently have less experience of that area! The bottom line is that you can (I think) only accurately grade a coin when you know what the very best existing example is like. With modern and milled, you have other great coins as a sort of benchmark. The earlier milled and hammered; that gets more difficult. Hammered is especially difficult. Particulalrly where the flan is not of even thickness. The lettering is therefore as crisp as you please (almost that so-sharp-you-could-cut-yourself 'proof' quality) but the bust - which is generally most people's focus - is so weak it looks worn. Ultimately I think learning to grade is one of the things that we all have to learn along with our subject area. ps - don't knock MK bob - that's my neck of the woods too!

If you bought it you'd just have to replace the current saddle wouldn't you???!

I think I'll list this beauty! You can really see the details don't you think! AND it's extremely rare (in this condition)!!

Looks good Chris but... any chance of a quick look at the index? Thanks, Richard

I'm sure if you phrased it right you could sell it... RARE in this condition! Seldom seen for sale on ebay! Not to be confused with the silver proof which was NOT MADE FOR CIRCULATION this exceptional currency piece just gleams! Very pleasing in the hand. (Hey - you've giving me ideas!)

Hi there. Do you have a scanner with your computer? If so you can make quite acceptable pics using this. Broadly speaking, any visible wear, knocks or scratches will reduce the grade. Compare them with the new 5p coins that have just started circulating. If they are about the same you may be able to claim UNC but even movement around a box can reduce this to EF quite quickly I'm afraid. You don't say if this is an 'offical' boxed set (ie in a custom made case) or not. Nor what denominations you have. If you have all seven coins from Crown to Threepence in a made to measure case it could be a proof set. You may find your household insurance covers such a collection, but whether to lock them away or not depends on what you want to do with them. Handling, however careful, will eventually reduce their value.

Just one of those rumours Geordie, that two pound coins with the Queen's head on them are REALLY RARE. Needless to say, they aren't! (Oh - I meant with a necklace - same thing applies...)

The declaration on bank notes dates from the days when you could indeed go to the Bank of England (or the issuer of the note) and demand ten pounds, or whatever the note said, value in gold. It was a form of guarantee but was apparently withdrawn during the First World War, when presumably the Government needed all the gold it had. More on this link - Bank of England Nowadays I guess you'll just get coins (but no gold!)

It's a repro Touchpiece of Charles II made by Johnson Matthey (bullion dealers) in the 1970s - I have one myself which I carry around as a conversation piece. Worth bullion value but more interesting as a souvenier.

Hi Joe - welcome to the forum! I did a quick search for these 50ps on the internet. It appears that the Alderney ones were only released in silver (ie no currency issue) - the Guernsey ones don't say but the link to the Westminster Collection suggests they too are only commemoratives. Do you have currency coins in your collection too Joe? Any 'modern' coins I have were just picked out of change!

Damn! Missed out on the Monbazaillac. Just have to toast you in cheap Bulgarian red (I only drink it for my health ) Hic! Congratulations and hope it was a good one!

Yes, hope you had a good one and didn't melt in the heat!!

Well yes, if a coin like that were 1907 years old it would be very rare indeed, especially in that condition!!

Am I missing something here? I can find no fault with that listing. That's because he has rescanned and updated his photos, the originals were a bit like this......

Picture?

I see he has changed the photo on one of his coins and it's actually pretty nice as everyone was saying - and a good price too (so far!) Hopefully he'll start to see the benefits!

Quite frankly, I don't understand it. On several occasions I have (politely) suggested to people that they would get more money for their ebay items if only their photos were better. For the most part I feel I am ignored. Now forgive me for being avaricious, but quite frankly I am on a small budget. I only sell stuff on ebay to get money with which I can then buy more coins! I take time to make my listings presentable and my photos as accurate as I can. It still only takes me 30 minutes and if as a result I get a few more quid I think it's time well spent. I want my buyers to be happy and to feel I have got a reasonable price. Now I think you have been very lucky Gary, but effectively this guy is almost giving things away! His 'kryptonite' coins are perhaps going to attract a few chancers but no real money, so why does he bother?

I particularly like this one... Charles shilling WoooEEE! And I quote.. Please note that any scans/photos on this listing are of the actual item for sale, not a library photo. Next is an E, next is an E......

A counter or jetton. Similar to this one I'd guess..... Originally produced in Nuremburg from the late 16C. Hanns Krauwinckel was a maker to the late 1580s but I believe the jettons continued to be made by others for some time after this. Quite often found in Britain and seem to have circulated quite widely. I understand they were originally used as accounting counters and later for gaming.

When you come in from the great outdoors I will! (Though with that hat it might have to be a Bud!!)

My Lucky Penny OOoooh! A genuine touchpiece! (You'd have to be touched to buy it!!)

No, you're in the wilderness Geordie - I am in a bar as you can see by my photo!!!

You're quite correct. The 40 does mean 40 (Scottish) shillings - ie 3/4d (that's three shillings and fourpence not threefarthings!) English or around half a crown. The shield is different in bearing the Scottish lion in two quarters and in the centre the Dutch. You will find the edge will have signs of lettering - either QVARTO, QUINTO or SIXTO. Are there signs of mounts on the edge of is that just a trick of the light? Either way I'd say thanks very much to your sister. In Fine condition like this - a bit over £100..

Just thought I'd post congratulations to Andy and Neelam Bruce on the birth of their son Arun (as announced in the recent OnlineCoins Newsletter - see Andy - you have at least one reader!). Hey - we often get birthday greetings, so what if Arun isn't a member yet?!

If so, they're a bit slow on the uptake! I hope a few more get posted 'cos now I'm really curious about everyone else!