Dg43

What this means is, getting it verified and graded, then encapsulated - by CGS (coin grading services). I know I mistakenly referred to them as CCI, who sell slabbed coins. If you look for the H under high magnification that should be a start. I agree that it is unlikely to be a 'no H' David

It sounds like a Crown (5 bob) that has perhaps been gilded. If it is damaged by the mount it is only really worth silver bullion + a bit. When you say looks like George, do you mean George iiii on the obverse, and George and dragon on the reverse?. Also, if it is a a Crown there should be 'REX' in between Britanniar and FD. Can you upload a photo? David

Still worth checking if it really is a 'no H', as they go for big money even in 'good' (ie very poor condition). If it is, get it slabbed by CCI. David

I think that when experts give questionable advice they deserve to have it picked apart; if that constitutes 'having a go' then so be it. It would appear that either no-one has tried it, or they have and are unwilling to admit to the result. Which brings us to the conclusion that it is poor advice.

We all know that cleaning our coins is inadvisable, and I do not do it, but I have always been intrigued by the following piece of advice, taken from the introduction to Peter J Davies' book 'British Silver Coins', published in 1982. " Silver coins cannot be successfully cleaned but surface grime can be removed with a clean piled cloth, gently rotating the coin between the cloth and fingers until the original toning is reached, when further pressure may be applied for final buffing" (my italics). He goes on to warn against over-cleaning that produces striated parallel lines and of course, chemical cleaning. Given that Davies' undoubted expertise means he would hardly be likely to advise collectors to ruin their treasures; what are forum members opinions on this advice? Is he right about recovering the original toning in this way? Has anyone spectacular results to share?

The shilling should be approx 25.5mm and weigh 6.0g, the sixpence 21mm and weigh 3g. David

If the mintage of 100,000 - 200,000 is to be believed then these are vastly inflated prices. A good comparison of the long-term value would be to look at the price of the 1951 penny (c.120,000 minted) F=£3; VF=£8; EF=£12; UNC/BU=£20/£30. Best to wait for the fuss to die down before getting one.

On ebay one made £83 yesterday, last week one went for £100 so the trend is downwards already.

Well lookee here!!! http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?Vie...=tab%3DWatching

The boat is a small single masted vessel known as a Hoy. The token is a Hastings Dalton & Hamer 25, It is a proper trade token issued by an Hastings Ironmonger - amongst other things - The edge should bear the inscription: Payable James Tebays Hastings. The obverse legend is probably a general encouragement to the success of the coastal trade. It is fairly common, Bell says about 15000 approx were struck

Holger I don't disagree with you one bit about your collecting interests, it is entirely a matter of personal taste. Without more information about Carolyn's motives for collecting - investment, history, or just collecting pleasure - it is difficult to help. Though, It appears that we may be talking to ourselves....

This has in no way deterred this ebay seller from chancing his arm!! http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?Vie...rksid=p3907.m29 Incidentally Gary, is there an infallible method of distinguishing a well struck 'ordinary' coin from the specimen issue?

Unfortunately not, so it is on mine! The error edge is where the wording of the inscription has been jumbled up. The correct inscription (ie the common one) is: DECUS ET TUTAMEN * ANNO REGNI XXV * either Obverse or Reverse upright.

Hi Carolyn, and welcome to the forum. The advice to avoid the Royal Mint and their overpriced special offers and also the 'unofficial' mints, is good, it may be a prejudice, but I think it is the view of most of us. Date runs invariably fall at the hurdle of the ultra-rarity. Most long running denominations have them, and when they surface, fetch silly prices for worn examples at auction. If you like pound coins then by all means start there. They are easily and fairly cheaply obtained in top grade, plus there are proofs, silver proofs and 'piedfort' (thicker than the norm) silver proofs for all years. These are more expensive. A nice thing about pound coins is, that the reverse designs are all different, which adds to the collecting interest. You may know, there are a lot of forged pound coins in circulation. These are not intended to fool collectors, but are probably in your change at this moment! It is also probably fair to say, that pound coins are not a particularly good investment for the future, as supply likely exceeds demand. This of course has the advantage that, when you have the funds you can easily find the next coin on your wanted list. If you buy wisely though your coins should appreciate in value. Ebay is a good place to start looking if you are aware of the pitfalls. Avoid sellers with a poor feedback score and/or are rude to buyers. Others make exaggerated claims about their coins, especially regarding the grade of the coin. Many sellers overgrade their coins, some deliberately - others due to ignorance. Also beware of sellers who charge an extortionate amount for postage. If you bear all this in mind, Ebay can be worthwhile. You will probably find that when you start collecting and expand your knowledge, your coin collecting interests will change completely! There are no rules, collect what takes your fancy. Any questions, ask here on the forum! Regards David

Bob, this seller is my bete noire!! Virtually all of his coins are dipped - whether they are in EF/UNC or VF, every one of his listings states "coin looks to have been cleaned." This is a slight variation on his past statement "coin mite have been cleaned at some time - but not by me". (sic) Here is another of his little offerings: http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/aUNCIRCULATED-Queen-...1QQcmdZViewItem

Looks like the same seller is at it again. http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/1964-Elizabeth-II-PR...bayphotohosting

This hopelessly overgraded coin does have a redeeming feature; it includes lunch!!!!!!!!!!! Biscuits and cheese if I'm not mistaken. http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/WILLIAM-AND-MARY-HAL...p3286.m20.l1116

Be sure to add this seller to your favourites list! http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/UNKOWN-COIN-MEDAL_W0...bayphotohosting

Welcome Am I right in thinking that the full inscription around the shield of the coin on the reverse is: G.Y.I.ET.F.G.REX.S.UF.ST.DS.T.M.S.ET.1701 If this is the case then it is an advertising 'spade guinea' probably bronze or brass, some are silvered - traces of which may remain - issued by a company of the name GYI. (George Yorke Iliffe. Diesinkers of Birmingham.) These advertising tokens are thought to have been issued between 1865 and 1914. There are many other types issued by other manufacturers and businesses of that era. They are unfortunately worth very little, but are often mistaken for genuine Gold Guineas. Here is a link to a similar token on ebay, the left hand token in the picture - according to the seller a half guinea token. http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Three-game-tokens-Ge...bayphotohosting

Oooh I say!!!!!! http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/1825-George-1111-fag...1QQcmdZViewItem

Having said that, there are a few on ebay for less, and not getting bids. Bizarrely, it would appear that the box is worth nearly as much as the coin!!!!!!!!!!! http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/1989-TUDOR-ROSE-500T...bayphotohosting

Give them their due this time, he has been de-registered - and fairly speedily. http://feedback.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dl...0All%20Feedback