VickySilver

Several days ago, Heritage USA had a sale and in it was a specimen of the 1962 halfcrown in proof. I was rather astonished and had assumed it might not exist in commercial channels as I had never seen one on the market before, nor seen one period. Perhaps such coins escape much interest as they certainly are not gold or even silver; also currency versions are easily had. Anyway, just wondering if anyone has seen or heard of such before?? How about any other proof half crowns from 1963 to 1967? Heritage Auction 3122: Lot 34640 Coin graded proof cameo 63. I will see if I can post pictures in thread to follow.

Somehow I suspect the surfaces to be a bit nicer when seen in hand.

Yes. I have tried to blow up the date and especially the last datal "2" which is usually slightly tilted and set downward from the other digits. Can't quite make it out on yours, so might you be good enough to blow it up to larger size? 1852 is considered a scarce, and at one time rare date. With the advent of the internet, it likely still is but many more have shown in the last couple of decades. Most are much better preserved than your specimen & so the wear on yours will tend to draw value down to likely the 50-75 Quid range most likely. I must confess I have never seen one so worn. M. Gouby has an internet site where you may look up further details as one example.

Weight seems good, the coin polished though I think your original photos appear to likely not represent the coin well. What I have sometimes done with NO risk is submerge such in dye-free ammonia for 5 or so minutes which will brighten it up but of course not oxidize it further; if you like the patina then by all means keep it as is.

Ah, interesting story there. My own father is going down to Alzheimer's and had a small box of coins and medals, mostly what I had given him over the years and now back to me. The best was NOT there, a medal from MACO (Medallic Art Co.) #113 by memory....I think "Escape" or something of that nature. I think I will slab the one gold Makarios of Cyprus sovereign with the rest to remain in box. I would keep these in box and of the sentiment that none are especially rare bits numismatically but think you'll appreciate the connection to gramps...

A mule would be as in the case of the 2002 proof 1/10 oz. Britannia proof with the obverse type head of 1998. Does anyone know the mintage of that little bit?

Yes, that was an entirely optimistic estimate IMHO as people are not enthralled with these at any price. Interested anecdotal piece that also IMHO is more of a 3k type coin.

I like this sort of toning on Vicky silver and suspect it may result from storage in a velvet-lined box or similar. Even years ago I could not afford "off year" Vicky silver proofs but did manage to get the proof florins of 1863 and a somewhat scruffy 1881; even the 1853 proofs are going a bit mad and they are not an off year. I suspect the currency 1863 in true mint state would go higher at auction than the proof.

BTW, this graded "62" at PCGS....

I posted this in the general British coin forum but noted with interest that 2 days ago Noonans sold at auction what is evidently an extremely rare decimal coin. It may be the rarest of all currency from the decimal era! This would be the 2009 10 pence, uncirculated currency piece with the lion reverse of 2007 and earlier. Out of curiosity I looked it up and could only find record of a different piece sold at London Coin auctions about 8 years ago and then vague mention of one other specimen from a 2008 (!) currency specimen set, I think it said for babies born that year or similar. Regardless, I didn’t even know this coin existed - maybe because I have focused on the later milled pre-decimal coins of 1837-1970. Do readers know more?

Rolled as in through the washing machine....Well known phenom. Also there is the method of "spooning" or tapping the edge.

Hopefully these posts keep interests of the readers but one of the few areas I have bought in on occasion: The Royal Mint from about 1980 for about 25 years and more struck some scarcities as far as sets and individual coins that some may be aware of. The Bahamas had struck for them souvenir sets in several years (1989, 1991, 1992, 1996) and the year 2000. These came in the 5 coin format and then a very few in the 7 coin format. For the year 2000, the former 5 coin sets were struck in reasonable numbers but although the coins in these cardboard and plastic sets were of excellent prooflike quality, were of normal 1c through 25c denominations that were struck for, and served as circulation coins. BUT, the 7 coin sets were struck in much fewer numbers and included examples of the nicely designed and somewhat famous 50 cents Marlin coin, and the more well-known One Dollar conch coin - both of these had been struck since the inaugural 1966 coins and sets. For year 2000 these were not struck for circulation so the only way to get them is in the 7 coin sets. The 5 coin sets usually sell on ebay for about 8-20 pounds plus shipping, but had not seen a 7 coin set for nearly a decade, and so despite constant searching there and other venues had not found one until just a couple of weeks ago when one popped up at a starting price of USD 9.95. I watched it for 9 days and it stayed at that price so I put out a "nuclear" bid of multiples of that, and low and behold, got it at USD 10.50 plus another 6 in shipping and taxes. Very thrilled with this, and have been informed that the 7 coin set mintage may be about 50 in all with there being some attractive coins included and all basically at the price of a nice Starbucks coffee! I will see if Richard may post pictures of the dollar coin from the set and others if readers are interested. BTW, some other RM rarities include the 1996 Bahamas 7 coin specimen set and the 2004 Falklands specimen set (and proof set which also seems to have a 50 set mintage and coins of copper nickel). The RAM Australian Mint has made some scarcities during these years as well but some of the rarities remain a bit obscure - Mister T knows far more than I about these .....

I completely agree with you and feel they have done much to destroy the collector market and turn lovely Brit coins into “flippables” in the worst USA style. And lest there be protests I will stand on that assessment; I have seen vigorous defense of such marketing strategy - if you want to put it politely. Pointedly if and when the day comes will steer my collection away from such.

I noticed the VERY nice Cope I 1849 Penny will be up for bid at Heritage soon. That is a wonderful coin....I have an MS63 from Glens in the old days that is not quite as nice....

I realize insiders know, but wonder if indeed as has been stated that one collector vacuumed up the majority or a large number of the "better" pieces....I can not compete in these leagues [anymore] but at one time knew a bit more. An older and now non-entity nowadays! LOL.

I tried on the currency 1922/Rev 27 but the winner was too strong and appeared to be willing to go much higher....

Another 2000 Bahamas 7 piece mint set showed up on eBay & could not resist the "Best Offer" of 13.78 including post & handling. A truly rare set.

Uggh, I bid on that one and don 't know where it ended up but figured out the opposition was willing to go much higher and so dropped out at the end. I did end up with Gerald's 1869 that was a beauty....

Numismatica Ars Classica ???

I suppose that was his capping specimen - the 1954. I wonder what it might fetch?? I also wonder about the 1922 specimen penny and how it night go price wise.

I have heard rumors but will want to see just what is on sale. I was really hoping there would be a 1919H nicer than that in the Part II Sale but think there is not....

John the 1912 looks on my iPhone to have a strike through at that spot and so different than the others which look to have bag contacts. Therefore it is part of the striking. Also at some site there are videos of the RM striking coins - they are very roughly treated tumbling down out of the striking chamber and down a chute into a collecting bin. And then unceremoniously tossed into bags.

I concur, this is a basic and gives a general heading or steerage. Unfortunately, as Mr. T I am nearly certain would agree, most knowledge of colonial comes from experience and following the market, auctions, etc.

I wonder the copper value of the coin.... 0.223 oz. of copper based on 97.5% alloy. Copper today is USD$4.59 per pound (12 troy ounces per pound). 1/54 of a pound = USD .085 per 2P coin....