1949threepence

I agree Peck, that coin is AEF. There is too much remaining detail for it not to be. Distinguishing between die wear and actual wear on a coin surface is an art form in itself. By the way, go on, be a legend

I've just had a very interesting on line chat with a member of e bay's staff regarding fakes listed as souvenirs etc, and copied and pasted the transcript into a post on the Modern Replica coins thread.

Hidden away in the small print, at the bottom, under "item specifics" is the phrase "modern copy". Is that his get out clause?

Yeah, it's a Freeman 71, 7 + G. The lighthouse is wrong, and the helmet plume not tall enough for it to be reverse I. Maybe he's genuinely made a mistake due to the amount of wear. Possibly it was touted as reverse I when he bought it. Be interesting to see how many fall for it.

I do wonder, as far as the penny is concerned, whether the myriad complexities, subtle nuances, shading and wear types that we who are familiar with the genuine article know so well, will be just too much for the fakers. As a result they will never get one over on the experts.

Can I recommend the book "The Standard Guide to Grading British coins" by Derek Francis Allen. I've found this book invaluable over the years, when I've been slightly unsure as to a grade. Just looked and it is available on Amazon Australia, if you're interested, for $20.70 - link

One of my Dad's favourites of all time, Macarthur Park by Richard Harris from 1968, followed by one of my Favourites of all time, which I heard again today and was reminded, "Can you feel the love tonight", (1994) from The Lion King, sung by Elton John:-

He is exceptional, I must admit. If he really is attending and/or logging in to that many fairs and auctions, then fair play to the guy. That is dedication, especially given, as Martin says, English is obviously not his first language.

Cabinet wear - often called "cabinet friction" applies to coins kept in an unlined wooden coin cabinet for long periods of time. It typically manifests on coins in better states of preservation, by showing up as a slightly duller, perhaps vaguely shiny area, usually on the obverse, as most collectors store their coins reverse side up. I always used to think it was caused by the coins sliding about when you moved the cabinet, but apparently it really applies to inert coins just kept in the same position for protracted periods of time. There's a definition here I don't understand the last sentence of that explanation though, as we still keep coins in wooden cabinets. ETA: Happy to be corrected on any of the above. Like @Madness I'm also not 100% sure and am employing some inspired guesswork.

One thing's for sure. If I had been after it, and was the winner, I sure as hell wouldn't want it sent "£2.50 economy". Would have to be tracked next day delivery for an item of that rarity and value.

When you click on that link above, Richard, look for the blue line just above the new entry, where it says "The listing you’re looking for is no longer available. Check out this similar item we found for you." and click on the word "listing" - that will take you to the original F32 listing and result.

Should be on i player, Paddy. Easy enough to get if you're on virgin or sky, or even over the internet. You can just Google "BBC i player", and it comes up. Enter the name of the programme you want to watch in search, and voila .....in fact I'll take my own advice and watch it.....

Missed it, unfortunately.

No idea eitherway. Not my speciality. Sounded good though.

Well it finally went for £875.

Wow, wonder what one of them would fetch today

That really is going back a hell of a long way, Mick. Virtually outside of living memory.

That one looks as though it has been in circulation.

I've never bought anything off him, as his reputation appears to precede him. As for the condition, GVF++? more like GF.

Exchange and Mart?

Incredible how quickly time goes by, Bob.

I'll try again, Bob.

It'll be interesting to see what this F32 finally goes for. It's about the same as mine (the reverse maybe marginally better), which I got for £400 hammer at dnw 2 years ago. Already at £510 with a day to go. https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Victoria-1-Penny-1861-Freeman-32-Dies-6-F-GRADE-VF-EXTREMELY-RARE/332726164049?_trkparms=aid%3D111001%26algo%3DREC.SEED%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D52955%26meid%3D34a9b99fea1449b9a834159f3e72d48d%26pid%3D100675%26rk%3D1%26rkt%3D15%26sd%3D332726164049%26itm%3D332726164049&_trksid=p2481888.c100675.m4236&_trkparms=pageci%3A19cc9493-8d14-11e8-87f4-74dbd180d16c|parentrq%3Abe1b31aa1640a9cc5bde2f37fff71b65|iid%3A1 Rarely encountered such a long web address. Hope it works.

Helen Robinson?

Here's an ad for her Bob - from "Coin Monthly" June 1969:-