Patrick2023

Originally housed in a PCGS PR65 holder. Dark bronzed surface with water like proof surface. No contact marks and with only the lightest hairline on this piece. A few carbon spots on the obv. Details on this coin are extraordinary, even the minutiae of the engraving are all revealed.

HA piece from the third picture

Thanks. Adding to my question, I found this specimen on Noonans auction. Both obv and rev dies do look quite worn (a die crack along Britannia elbow). So was KH16 used solely in the early Soho period? Peck in his book said that “practically certain that KH 10 to 17 were early pieces”. I find it quite odd that these lacking detail pieces were produced in the early period along their counterparts.

Maybe this is a very newbie question, can someone explain why pieces attributed to Peck 1234 show different stages of coin details sharpness? Picture below is a comparison I made of mine and two coins I found on the Heritage auction website. It is quite clear that the hair, wreath decreases in sharpness. Also jewels size gets smaller. Futhermore the die scratches below King’s nose are present on the first and disappear on the second and third piece. Is this due to die polishing or pressure?

Close up imagery of the coin details:

Hello, just a quick question about how to store copper proof coins (penny, half penny, farthing). I like to handle coins raw so slab is not an option. Apart from slab, what are the best alternatives? Flip, plastic air-tite or polyethylene envelopes? Will flip or polyethylene envelopes cause scratches on the proof surface when sliding?

What has your experience with the cabinet been like? I think they are the best way to display proof coins yet I always fear the coin will slide around.

This is my first post and I like to share a coin I bought. CGS AU78 1923 Specimen (Ex The Soho Collection, London Coins Auction A175, December 2021, Lot 2104 and London Coins Auction A126, September 2009, Lot 1272). The coin has reddish brown toning with a nice luster on both sides. Field is smooth and with a few tiny marks or nicks. There is light cabinet wear on the reverse. London Coins commented that "the rims although equal in height to the currency coin are more raised from the fields". As I am new to British copper coinage, I am interested in learning. I am not sure how to spot a Specimen coin from a normal MS Coin of this period. From what I can see on hand the biggest differences compared to circulation coins are the device and luster. The device is sharper (especially king's bust) while more grainy in appearance. Lusters are only present close to the rim compared to the whole field on circulation coins.

Rev pictures

Here are some pictures of the raw coin. On hand, the specimen designation does seem far fetched. The coin is more likely to be a good quality early strike. Interestingly the Obv die is new while the Rev die does have a promaint die crack along the trident.

I agree with you, I think the coin falls between a specimen and a circulation strike. I have attached some better quality photos. The bust looks quite well struck for me but Britannia detail is very soft.

Rev Images