colliewalker1

I am very surprised to find a number of coin websites that don't offer photographs of the coins for sale, to accompany the descriptions/gradings. I find that in the absence of seeing the coin itself the photo is a good 'second best' and I wouldn't wish to buy without one. I admit that some sellers offer to take back any coin with which the buyer is not satisfied - in effect a case of buying 'on approval'but presumably the buyer is stuck with the cost of postage both ways. Ebay - which has come in for some 'stick' in earlier postings - and I can understand why - does in almost all cases give photos provided by the sellers. An interesting question is can the photo make a coin look better than it is - OR - even fail to do it justice? In my very short interest in coin collecting so far (about 1 month!) I have not been disappointed. Out of curiosity I have tried my hand at producing photos of coins - and have found it quite difficult!I have noticed that sellers often refer to scans - when scanning coins I have found that my results were very poor and didn't begin to do justice to the coin. Taking digital photos gave more 'life like' results - but my technique will need a lot of perfecting to match images offered by Chris for example. I will be very interested to here from members as to [a] would they buy online without seeing a photo ? how much would they rely on a photo ? [c] how do they make accurate imagges of coins? Denis

I have seen photos of coins described, for example as GF when one can see that some may be a little better than another: I have recently looked at photos of a George IV Crown where one was listed as GF(£25) - the other NVF(£45) and I could see little difference between them: admittedly,the NVF coin showed slightly crisper detail on VERY close scrutiny - but it didn't really seem like £20 worth of difference and I chose the GF! Another point - This is a good example of the value of photographs to collectors. Denis

I am attaching a photo of a George IV Half Crown currently offered on Ebay. I am VERY new to coin collecting but feel that a coin which is (a) relatively unworn but has some damage (not excessive of course) is more appealing than ( one which is well worn but is undamaged. This coin is an example of (a) having a deep looking scratch under the eye. I would be interested to know the views of other members - would they find this damage acceptable besring in mind the good imprint remaining AND what would be an appropriate bid? Thanks in anticipation - Denis

The winning bid was made a couple of minutes before 'time' - the previous bid was 5 hours earlier - and only £1 less!

The George IV half crown fetched £45 0n Ebay - wow! I think that sometimes items on Ebay fetch more than one would pay a dealer.....

Geoff - Out of interest did you buy the coin on Ebay or from an online dealer?

Hi halfpenny john - thanks for your very rapid reply. The year of this half crown is 1823. It sounds as though you wouldn't be too bothered about the mark under the eye - it will be interesting to see how the bidding goes - I may have to raid the piggy bank! Cheers - Denis

I have just received my very first coin purchase -a Morgan dollar(via Ebay) dated 1890 - the mint reference is O, so it was struck in New Orleans. The subject of 'cleaning' is an interesting one! What is meant by 'cleaning' I wonder.....? I can see that applying metal polish would be drastic as this would remove the surface layer of silver and apply a polish: however, in addition to the patina acquired by a coin what about the 'grubbyness'(AKA dirt!)which has built up due to handling, rather than age and which seems to accumulate around the lettering on the edges and the milling in particular? Is there any merit in DIRT?! Would a light clean with soapy water still be strictly forbidden??!! I can see the appeal of 'signs of use'- this conjures up a 'romantic' association with all the unknown owners of the coin in the past and the numerous items it was used to purchase.... To depart from the immediate subject - it strikes me that to have an uncirculated example as well as used of any given coin is an appealing idea. And no issue of cleaning in that case! Members' thoughts on the 'soap and water' treatment idea would be appreciated. Denis

Hello everybody! I'm a new member - and new to coin collecting. My specific interest is US silver dollars, which to me are particularly interesting coins being satisfyingly large and attractive and having an intrinsic value as well as a historical connotation: at the same time examples can be bought at very reasonable prices! I have started by buying two Morgan dollar coins via Ebay, one from Chris Perkins and am awaiting in eager aticipation receipt of both! I would be interested to hear from anyone who has a similar interest, with suggestions as to a way of selecting these coins in an interesting way. Thanks in anticipation - Denis Boisclair Cheshire.

Hi Sylvester - Many thanks for your quick - and interesting reply. You have given a very good guide as to routes to follow, to avoid random collecting: it would otherwise be very easy to buy individual coins on an impulse and to duplicate coins already in the collection. Interesting that you should mention Crowns - I have just 'discovered' them - these also look appealing and have something in common with Morgan Dollars - same(equivalent)face value,Victorian era,made with silver.I will explore postings on Crowns in the Forum Regards - Denis Denis