GDJMSP

As one of the ex-colonials I must say I find it interesting that you say that. It's kind of a deja vu thing for me. You see - about 20 years ago - America had basically the same system you use today. And it was the American collectors who were making statements very similar to yours. In fact - some of them still are making such statements today. But the popularity of the grading companies grows day by day. And not just in America - but worldwide. Many of the European coin dealers are now listing their coins with both European & Sheldon grades side by side. A year or two ago - that never happened. Today it is common. So will Britain and the rest of the world adopt the Sheldon grading system ? I guess time will tell. For no matter how much you or I like or dislike it - change is inevitable. It always has been - it always will be.

It's not that trays and cabinets are a bad idea altogether - I rather like them myself. But they do have their drawbacks. First of all there is the problem of cabinet friction as already mentioned. This is a real problem for UNC quality coins. Just about every coin cabinet that has ever been produced since medieval times has been lined with felt or velvet. Place an UNC coin on these surfaces and fine scratches will develop. Ever hear of the term haymarking ? 'Course you have - well where do you think it comes from ? It comes, or it used to come, from coins being stored in coin cabinets. That's why coin cabinets fell out of favor in much of the world - not just America. Then you also have the problem of the materials the cabinet is made of - wood, glue, stain and varnish. Every single one of these materials, including the wood itself, puts off vapors into the air. And those vapors interact with the surfaces of the coins stored in the cabinets and can and will often produce very unsightly toning - and sometimes even corrosion. Now, in today's world, you can make a coin cabinet out of materials that do not have these properties that are harmful to your coins. But care must be taken to do so. And it is also wise to first place your coins into a holder that will protect them from the problem of cabinet friction for that never goes away. If all these things are done - then coin cabinets work just fine If not - then your fine UNC coins are at risk. It's just that simple.

The British sovereign is one of if not the most counterfeited coin in the world. The sovereign was not widely counterfeited until after WW II. But by then, entire factories were built in Italy and the middle east for this express purpose. A great many of these counterfeits are made of gold, albeit of a slightly lesser finesness. But even 1 or 2 percent lesser fineness can yield substantial profits. In the middle east gold markets counterfeits abound. Not as much today as in years past, for the gold dealers have become accustomed to them. Still they are bought and sold on a regular basis with the price being somewaht lower than genuine coins. And even the British govt. has been fooled. During the first Gulf War GB issued to their soldiers soveriegns to be used if caught behind enemy lines. Later - many of these coins were found to be counterfeit. It was the existance of so many counterfeits that caused the British govt. to begin striking sovereigns again in 1957 and it continued until 1968. These coins were issued for use in the world and to help lessen the impact of counterfeits as they were unavailable in Great Britain.

Yes - easily. Examine the coin with a good loupe - you should be able to see a joint where two halves are placed together. This is usually found just at the inside edge of the rim. Under magnification it should be obvious.

I would say that this is exactly what Master Jmd said it is - a manufactured error. In other words a fake. These things are rather common in the US and they are made just like Master Jmd said they are made. You place one coin on top of another and strike them with a hammer. Try it yourself - you'll see.

Two headed or two tailed coins are common - they are magicians coins. The coins are manufactured and sold by novelty companies all over the world. However - there are a few, very few - genuine examples. I know of only 3 examples that have been authenticated in the entire history of US coinage. In world coinage though - genuine examples are a little more common. The last I heard there are about 30 known examples worldwide. They are considered quite valuable.

You should give it a try Sylvester - it's a good feeling No I have never spent a sovereign - but I have spent a US $50 gold piece Yeah I know - I'm crazy Sylvester already knew that - so the rest of you may as well know it too. And if you think that's bad - I carry another in my pocket every day - just in case the urge strikes me again The situation is the same here in the US - the gold coins are legal tender. But only for the face value of the coin - which is roughly 1/8 of the gold value.

Betcha can't guess what I voted for

Tony - I'm kinda new around here so I have just now read this thread. As for what i would like to see in coin collecting software - all the same things and abilities that Coin Elite by Trove Software has. If you are not familiar with it - see here - Trove Software Now Coin Elite is primarily focused on the American market - but they do have a world database as well. This is where you come in The world database is lacking if compared to the US portion of the program. The software would also need realistic and accurate pricing information built in. Not one single program I have ever seen has that. You come up with software that fixes that - and you'll have a winner pal As for testing - you bet sign me up. I know more than a bit about computers and would be thrilled to help out

Hmmmm - I'd go for the French myself. But taste are different How about this French coin ? http://www.users.uswest.net/~pdoug5/new%20...39;OR%20obv.jpg http://www.users.uswest.net/~pdoug5/new%20...39;OR%20rev.jpg

or these

But I still rather prefer these -

A lot of copper fans huh ? Well we'll give them copper then. Not many copper coins really appeal to me - but when they look like this

Well - that explains it then

No, I won't because these experienced US forumees have kindly used there own bandwidth, and you'll find those pictures are all hosted on their own webspace, so they can post as many as they like without size restrictions! Whewwww - had me worried there for a minute Fear not Chris - far be it from me to eat up bandwidth