VickySilver

I believe that both PCGS and NGC have "edge" revealing holders now standard.

Absolutely NOT the same as the other slabbers - PCGS and NGC who have occ. their own shortcomings but not the same "ilk" .

Ditto. Please post dates, and especially good quality pictures. A few of us may actually know a thing or two...

Wait, wait, that is the virgin Mary in side view. If it was a McDonald's chicken nugget might bring that price after all!

Alcohol, not acetone; bit late for now... Not that I am a slab backer, but for those that are anti-slabs: DO NOT TOUCH OBVERSE OR REVERSE surfaces!!! I have seen far too many coins handled by ham-fisted collectors and dealers with residual prints and or rim dings - to me this is at least part of the counter argument against the no-slab folks....

Darn, and I have just spent up my monthly budget! Have to bookmark this seller!

I think perhaps alignment, unless by chance, of the two strikes might mitigate against randomness...

Colin Cooke have always been most helpful to me over the years, but have used them more in conjunction with auctions, etc. Still have bought a fair number of pieces and happy with their service overall. Certainly a small operation and not always perfect. As you likely know the namesake has now been dead 5 or 6 years and it is run by Neil Paisley. Michael I do not know (Freeman?).

I think it may be a while before you find one in a "loose change" dish or junk box. Still they are out there and I know of this one and the one I have; I recall one other coming up, possibly on ebay 2-3 years ago which may have been this same coin.

I bought a 1981 penny over 1956 (by recall) six pence at Croydon about 5 years ago for ~ 50 pounds, so I guess interest is picking up. Too much for me, this.

I like Red Riley's answer and the tactic I use the most often. I think sometimes insensitive offers on the part of the buyer can do some harm as they can be borderline insulting. Tread lightly and carefully, and above all know your coins as best you can...

Yes, quite a bit to look at occasion. I suspect there are many "lurkers" looking them over. Slabs with big numbers go for very large sums, and the economics of it basically influence US collectors of British material to use their services rather than worry about getting the coins across the pond for a London (or other) sale. I have gotten a few bargains by watching very carefully. I have not bid for some while but have in the past come away, like Rob, with some treasures. I have noticed that there are occasional price differences at the same TPG grade level wherein an PCGS graded coin, say in "65", will be listed earlier and go for more than an NGC identical coin also graded "65" and not visibly inferior. My suggestion: if it is a rarity with a high grade number, be prepared to leave it alone unless you want to get a bloody nose! Ouch!

Yes, this is worrisome as where they IMO are most dangerous is when there is a "circulated" specimen of a rare date such as 1854, 62 or 63. These might be most vulnerable. Even though I feel familiar with the series I can not make the call based on the picture. It generally looks OK, but just not sure if there may not be a bit of difference in the bust - but this could be because of the toning/reproduction, etc. Leaning toward genuine though...

Depends of course, but I have at shows offered occasionally 10% off. If it is a coin that is rare or in demand, forget it...

1864 penny at 99L is exceptionally good, but hard for me at least to compare the coins without having them in hand; an NGC58 crosslet went for US$58 including shipping that I have seen and is truly an GEF coin. Still quite a bit of dross to sort through - maybe that is part of the challenge. The best bargains seem to be from recall years ago; in fact I almost completed an high grade Gothic florin set off the 'bay in the late 90s (well never did get an 1854 or 63)...

Rob, do sell me an 1863 (how about an over 1 overdate) for L251 please! Seriously I suspect 1k might secure it, or it might not...

Yikes, what would an Unc. specimen go for these days???

Uhh, well I seem to have just too many old Spink/Seaby cats laying about, and my 3 yr. old son has found them most useful as missiles or steps to get where he ought not.... Seriously, I think the value is a bit limited, save to a bibliophile (all apologies, Rob) although they make for an interesting glance-over.

Rob, a good friend (wink wink) is aware of that coin coming up for resale, but lost out and recall the price quoted, I think??

Back to the OP - I believe the Norweb specimen of the pattern coin went for something like 16k pounds. Perhaps Rob has the exact citation...

Although I respect thoughts, it was told to me that the 1871 penny was not a superior example. Not to pirate the thread but if someone has a particularly nice specimen for sale, do PM me. EF date runs are fine, but how are these keys like the 1864 if and when they are represented? I would imagine that the "keys" were sold elsewhere as I can not imagine building a set and NOT having the keys...

And possibly other personnel changes a couple of years ago...

The OP's original points are well taken - quality coins are getting to be quite a challenge. IMO Spink did not have a lot of them in the later milled copper and silver. This (the Spink Auction) may not be the best venue for picking up good-for-value coins. DNW is almost always a write-off for me as well and only go strongly for bits I have to have. BTW, for attendees of the auction, what did the 1871 Bun look like? Likewise the 1865 no overdate halfpenny? Is it just me or does the overall quality of Spink's offerings both at auction and through SNC seem to have fallen off?

Hi all, didn't quite follow if it was stated that the coin was special because of Spink illustration on cover (?) or plated?