VickySilver

As Richard has said, the experiences in the past with LCA are that they tend to go with your maximum bid as the sale price even if it seems unopposed. More recently the experience has been variable. I have to say that in America the old Stack's used to go with maximum bid too - not sure if the more recent reiteration of Stacks Bowers is the same.

Here are some key obverse areas you may already know: Brow ridge Mustache edge Cheekbone - this is notorious for marks, even moreso on the crown coin Both top and bottom of ear On the reverse: IMO, the lions are not the key. Rather, the shield edge Rim edge and border teeth (goes for obverse as well) IMO, this would make it into the uncirculated with minimal bag marks. The obverse rim at 10-11 o'clock a bit rough and possible rim tap at 1 o'clock

Yes, that would be 1922. As the article by Graham stated, they were of different gold alloy (and different weigh, thickness, etc.) and were tests for the alloy of the Egyptian series - the accepted alloy was an 0.875 gold/silver that was counterstamped with an "A" on the reverse near the rim. What were they asking price wise? In light of this half crown, I would have to guess at least 40k USD.

I agree, if there are transitional years then there may be "mules" that are just that - transitional. I think of a mule as being obv. and rev. dies intended for different usage that are paired.

Coins went for: 1838 gold threepence 16.8k USD plus 20% = 20.15k 1927 gold half crown 72k USD plus 20%!! juice = 87k Broke my heart to not be able to compete, but WAAAAY too Rich!

Uhhh, smaller than a shilling?

To me the latter looks a bit different and the "London" 1882 Jamaica pennies I seem to be able to spot even when worn. Haven't worked out the technical bits on that (got one off ebay for 20 USD)....

Some very nice pieces there, and one of the best copper 1/2d runs that I've seen in a while. Very Nice!

No. Out of it. Good luck though....

Yes indeed, breaks my heart that I don't have the means for that one.

Also looks good to me, although shopping for just the right coin might net a better example for similar price. That one's been dropped a few times...

Yes, indeed. I like it as well. Funny thing, these '46s and '49s seem to be around in some number and surprised the price has remained what it has on them. IMO, the above 1948 is also a nice coin (and possibly almost as scarce in nice condition). Nice work, fellas!

Paddy, that's always been my favorite date. I have a soft spot for Wreaths as it is them that started me collecting..Very nice honest specimen there!

I didn't get those proof sets - the 1893 went for 55k plus commission!

Wow, sometimes you just "have that feeling", and I had a look around AGAIN and actually found a proof set! Originally this was to be of unlimited mintage and then dropped to 2500; subsequent to that the estimate is less than 50 sets. I think interest had waned in what is essentially a base-metal set and so a rarity was born. The significance is that there may be other sets of similar scarcity out there but since the RM is loathe to publish numbers of mintage or release, we have only anecdotal evidence. I don't understand why they are not forthcoming....

I have been trying to run down actual pictures of this set, or better yet the set itself, but have only been able to find the original Royal Mint pictures of the set and also the PL BU set. I am trying to find more information on this if anyone can be of help. Many thanks in advance if you are able!

Ha, sounds good but what is the turnaround time? I hate to ask!!!

Is there an unbarred type of that specimen?

No, always good to learn and help. The colour did look to be silver plate. I had NICKEL plated that fooled me and did not get past NGC.

I have a 1922 of similar appearance that was silver plated. I actually scratched the edge which confirmed bronze colour beneath - but as has been said the weight would be the most important first measurement.

Ah yes, I suspected. Share pictures if you please...This was a great time and where I also formed the nucleus of my collection. There was the deaquisition of the Pretoria Mint coins that was shocking in its breadth and relatively low prices. I got the currency 1839 2/6 from Glens graded as EF only (the one seen on PCGS pops) - and now an honest MS64 for 2200! That was a big purchase at the time, but as they say find another...

Jaggy - coins DATED from the '80s and '90s? Or purchased then? Well, share pictures if you can. I certainly don't criticize spending more than others would for the right piece....

Nice rationale train there Jag.....I use similar myself, even as excuses to buy further coins to "cost average" downward. These are words of collectors, to be sure...BTW, the 48/7 went "63" at NGC.

This is one of those varietals that seems once discovered that people look for it and find more and more. I love 20th C. proof halfcrowns but haven't had interest in picking one up at the prices they supposedly have gone for.

These lower mint state coins on eBay can sometimes be quite the buy (not always though!) - I posted recently the 1848/6 shilling in MS61 that was a very nice win aaetheically.