1949threepence

What do they say then, Pete?

That was probably deliberate. The press are well known for intentional ambiguity. When the Soviet spy Klaus Fuchs was released from prison in 1959, one headline read "Fuchs Off - flies to East Germany".

You might get £40 for the two together, as a guesstimate, Andy. Condition obviously not that brilliant.

As for grading, I'd go for NEF.

The 1932 florin is rare - can you put up a picture of that, Andy. Also the 1909 and 1887 halfcrowns. Your 1944 threepence might be worth a bit in decent condition, providing it's a silver one. Thanks.

I'm always looking, Pete

Unlike some coins originally touted as having >5 examples, this coin never seems to have become any more common, by fresh specimens being discovered. In the October 1984 Freeman auction booklet, the Freeman 19, which was in a lot (No 14), with an F18 and an F20, incredibly, remained unsold at the auction. Although perhaps not incredible at that time. Any rate, the one on offer on that occasion was described as "very worn but design discernible, one of two known specimens". Richard has a photo of one on his rarest pennies website, described as "held in a private collection (thought to be unique)" - although if the Freeman catalogue is to be believed, there is at least one more somewhere. Or has anybody come across others? Just curious as to why no further specimens of an F19 have ever come to light in all these years.

It's not. That specific lot isn't pictured.

It would be dreadful. Some people claim they never use cash, and employ that as a reason for suggesting that we don't need it anymore. Well they may not - their call. But the majority still do to a greater or lesser extent. All possibility of living anonymously would be removed if cash went. Not to mention tradesmen giving discounts for cash. I've saved quite a bit over the years, by drawing out notes to make large payments to say, painters and decorators.

I'm getting to be the same. Taking a long time to spend the cash. Mind, it did come in useful at ASDA a few days ago, when the reader wouldn't accept my card. I sincerely hope we never go cashless.

Thanks for the comprehensive review, hibernianscribe. I haven't used catawiki up to now, and won't be in the future.

Thanks.That pretty much echoes what Pete said earlier. Maybe there is just the one specimen......

Would be interesting to know. If what you say is the case, Pete, it must be in pretty bad shape.The original F27 is not much more than a washer, but stands verified as 5 + F.

I don't know. As Terry indicates, maybe Bernie can cast more light on the situation.

Thanks Terry.

Just a quick heads up on tomorrow night's (Tuesday 9th January) Great British Railway journeys. Michael Portillo touring South Wales and in the preview for the next programme said he would be finding out how money is made in Wales, with a shot of newly minted coins - so I took this to mean he'd be visiting the mint BBC2: 6:30pm Tuesday 9.1.18, if anybody interested.

Tried to watch this late on Tuesday night, but was dropping off to sleep, so didn't take much in. Have watched properly just now. During his visit, Michael concentrated on the production of the sovereign. He initially met the museum director, Dr Kevin Clancy, who gave him a brief history of the sovereign, which go back to the reign of Henry VII in 1489. He looked at two, one a hammered specimen, and the other was an example from Edward VII. Sovereigns remained as a currency coin until WW1 when they were replaced by paper notes - the public having been urged to give them up for the war effort, in exchange for war loans or in return for Treasury notes. Transferring to the mint itself, Michael then loaded a blank, and operated the die to produce a 22 carat, bullion, 2017 sovereign. Struck three times, and the force is 70 tons. He then was escorted by head of security, Mark Shutt to the very heart of the mint, and shown into a room with a number of pure gold ingots on a table (10), each weighing 40 kilos, total value approx £3.5 million. . They called them "bars". He was allowed to handle one, but only with gloves on, and there were a couple of security guards looking on. In fact security was shown to be tight throughout, as he was searched twice. All in all, very interesting and well worth a watch if you get time.

I never use an image hosting site these days. I take my own pics using my tablet, e mail them to my PC, save the pic, and then upload directly from there. Not had a problem with size doing it that way. Not bothered about control. I have the coin, and the pic is just that - a pic. If it helps others to gain any perspective, then it's well worth it.

Many old pennies are similarly stamped with numbers, names, initials etc. Never entirely clear as to precisely why.

I've always firmly believed that marketing offers should be something you click into, not out of.

"Up to £70k a year" - sounds a bit like promised broadband speeds as you get your17mg a minute !!! If the concern only started in January last year, then clearly that figure is pure guesswork, as well as probably pure fiction. I don't believe for one second they've made anywhere near that amount. Still, as Dave says, much of the info in the article is factually correct, and I too take my hat off to the lad for getting publicity in a popular national newspaper.

Hope you enjoy the visit

Yes, I'd agree with Freeman 102.

Mike, Mick - it's shown just below my user name.

Top one, Mick. No question. Agree with the other replies.