Rob

S1785, Class 4e(pellet before LON), 10cf5 and S1356C

It's not a cud as far as I can see because there's no extra metal. The shape of the curl coming out of her forehead matches the profile of the gap between the bottom left stalk end and the lowest leaves on the left side. The stalk end is visible under the first A of GRATIA and the left hand branch detail can be seen to a point under her chin. Absolutely nothing to do with her hair.

Clashed dies.

Gut feeling is no because there is no evidence of the top and bottom left points of an E

That bit I understand. It is seen as a ring of weakness at the same radius as the legend. I'm of the opinion that it is due to metal dust produced when the lettering is impressed on the blank as the relatively steep sides of the letter will have some cutting action even if the letter is formed by metal flow. The die will then rotate slightly as it withdraws (there must be some play in the mechanism, however small) and so cause the dust to migrate along the arc of the radius. Get enough dust built up and you will eventually block the die - which is what you see. There will always be a trace of oil/grease around to help it stick at the correct radius. In the case of the above coin, it is an area rather than the arc I'm describing in the previous paragraph.

It's interesting because the flat areas are at the same point both sides which would tend to eliminate blocked dies from wear and tear, unless from grease. It's quite a big area with weakness showing from the trident to the rim and the front of the bust to the rim.

I haven't used them so can't comment, but given your question which is pertinent to a well known Australian saleroom, I can understand your concern.

Samuel was in Spink sale 109 (1995) which pre-dates any internet archives. Nicholson bought a few lots there.

I didn't have one and neither did Nicholson or Samuel. The only one I have noted was Freeman's (lot 91A), which was practically mint state with much lustre. It was bought by Peek according to my catalogue, but that sale had a number of fictitious buyers, so isn't guaranteed to be genuine. They're certainly very rare, but it's also fair to say that at no point was I interested in filling the gap at any cost, so tended not to look at lower grade material. I never encountered one in my travels.

That's ok. I have trouble remembering that I need to eat breakfast sometimes. Last week I didn't get round to it until half three.

To answer MBE, the answer is obviously no. The number of penny collectors who routinely use Gouby references would imply that they mostly have the info at their fingertips. In the case of the penny book, I acquired it when I bought Colin Adams' library in 2005. I hadn't used it in 10 years and in the interim had bought the useful volume which is the detailed 19th century varieties (not available when he stopped collecting), with the 20th being fairly superfluous as it didn't contain the recent discoveries. The 20th century effectively duplicated Freeman. I regularly help people with missing items if it is no loss to myself or my collection. On occasion I have rejigged the coins around a few criteria in order to help someone out whilst still maintaining the integrity of the collection and library. This was one such instance.

I sold my copy to someone who was desperately looking for one at Wakefield 5 or 6 years ago because I never used it and had obtained the useful volume (1860-1901). I assumed if I had one, so did everyone else.

Had we gone along as part of their procurement process, it could have been worse. We would have been signed up to receive things eventually, but presumably after their markets had been satisfied based on yesterday's behaviour given we were no longer part of the EU and they are only concerned with their citizens. It's one thing to drive down the price paid, but as always, it's a case of priorities. The Commission's priorities are due process rather than reacting to the urgency of the situation. I think the UK did the procurement bit right in this instance. I know there are people complaining about PPE etc, but when it all settles down I don't think we will be the only people to have wasted money. This acrimony-fest is evidence, if it were ever needed, that the only way to be secure is to have home based sources of anything and everything you need or can do. Make sure you support your indigenous industries rather than rely on foreign powers that haven't the slightest interest in your economic well-being. Particularly not buying something from places like China just because it costs 50p or a quid.

Please could someone explain what the COA will certify - the D, the E or the I, or maybe all three? Or maybe it's the flaw in what is otherwise a pleasant undulating surface, bringing back memories of the sheet as it rolled off the mill?

Yes, his bullshit rating is phenomenal - and the coin a snip at only a three figure sum. His numismatic reputation is long established, as he has been discussed on US forums quite a few times.

Yep. I've not seen one either. Been looking for years...............

Immediate reaction is that it doesn't appear to be the same font as the other G. That raises suspicion. A bigger picture would help.

looks it.

I doubt the old ones are ever dormant as they would accept bids from a previously valid account unless they had closed it, plus a lot of people have more than one account. e.g. I have a couple accounts with a few places, one used for private and the other business to keep the finances separate. I would have to physically advise them to merge the details.

Have you updated details on your account? Surely that sort of thing should be automated when it comes to taking details off the computer? If you get physical catalogues delivered, that would prove they have the right details, unless you have more than one account.

Oooerrr. How does an organ that specialises in fake news, report fake news? Trump was right all along? I hate to think what will be concocted.

They already are.

What? The fifty shillings?

The slabbed world is losing all sense of perspective here. It's bonkers. They would have been better off leaving the coin out and just include the label. $825 + premium and counting. https://coins.ha.com/itm/great-britain/world-coins/great-britain-commonwealth-1-2-penny-nd-1649-1660-ms65-ngc-/a/3089-32681.s?ic4=ListView-ShortDescription-071515 Or something you would struggle to get more than £200-250 for.............

I think most of us are on a hiding to nothing when it comes to setting a goal that is remotely possible. I'm happy with my 12 or 1300 criteria covering Roman to the present day as I can't complete it but it always gives me something to go for, even if it is usually not what I had in mind when I started out that day! It means I can happily accommodate cheap and cheerful things alongside out and out rarities without compromising the collection because everything would have a legitimate place based on my eclectic criteria - even a current copper clad penny sat alongside a 5 guineas would have equal merit. The only issue is discipline, as 'too nice to sell' and 'too nice to pass up' frequently divert me.