Peckris 2

1. Turkey applied for EU membership many years ago and they STILL aren’t. And won't be until their governmental political system is totally reformed, i.e. they've become a democracy. 2. Russia did provide military support to Turkey as part of the fight against ISIS. However, in other matters in Syria they are on opposite sides: Russia supports Assad and opposes the Free Syrian Army, while Turkey is against the former and assists the latter.

Yeah, if you don't fall foul of the authorities, it's a great place - reminds me of Greece in the early 70s, though Turkey doesn't have soldiers with rifles on every corner of its capital.

Only in the sense that they are a long term applicant. But until they become a democracy with acceptable civil rights, they will never be allowed to join (or they'd be members already, long ago).

There is no way (Farage, are you listening? ) that Turkey could be considered an EU 'candidate' in the short- or mid-term. Their civil rights record - for one - would preclude them.

It's entirely possible - though what first drew my attention to it was the gap between the 8 and the 7, much wider than on normal issues. One of our fellow members (who's studied 1887 JH coins in very fine detail) says it's a pattern, but he also says there are very many 'patterns' for this date.

Or not...

I found some 1908-1910 could have a reddish tinge. Possibly struck on blanks supplied by Kings Norton.

Either way, the different coloration must indicate even a slight variation in the bronze alloy?

Agreed. I do wonder about why this should be so? I'm thinking that Heatons were the preferred subcontractor, having been used since the 1870s, so on one level you'd think they'd get the better selection of dies? But if there was no difference in the quality of obverse die sent to both, then it COULD be that the slight variation in metal used for blanks might be the reason? Every collector is probably aware of the reddish colour that KNs have when worn, compared to the brown/black appearance of H pennies.

You got an amazing bargain there Mike. In the old price guides, it used to go: 1919H 1918H then a gap to 1918KN 1919KN These days it's more likely to go: 1918H then a gap to 1919H 1918KN then another gap to 1919KN (Talking of EF and higher that is)

"DOS BESOS" translates as "two kisses". This is the reverse of a genuine gold coin: I suspect that someone has created an 'alternative' version to use a love token (perhaps)?

Yes, in top grades it now rivals the 18KN.

There's only one Rob on this forum! who is @Rob

Unrecorded:

Exactly what I thought when I got my 1930 halfcrown last year!

Agreed. I couldn't see anything - outside my imagination - that might have suggested an overdate.

That's nuts.

Yet you would think - it being such a major rarity (especially in high grade) - that a reputable company would do their research? I mean, it's not rocket science.

Proofs are usually double struck to give a crisper and more defined finish. I'm not sure about specimens - perhaps single struck but using the same dies as proofs? Not sure.

THIS shows the ME, though the seller is at pains to say the image is not the coin to be supplied! But even an average circulated example for £2:95?? https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/194907491889?hash=item2d61644e31:g:sw4AAOSwWMBiKw~k

Perhaps he means the specimen?

That is NOT a ME - I can tell at first glance, even on worn examples. Surely, NGC should know better?

Agreed - I only have a few, and bought that one 1) because it was in a lot with other coins and 2) it's rather a fine design.

Good point. It was the same with 1951 Crowns in 2001.