1949threepence

Just as a lightweight aside, I actually got my first pound coin dated 2017, yesterday.

Silver seems very prone to toning.

Only 10 - and yet a few, maybe only even one, obviously did slip into circulation. Thanks for the link, Bob.

Terry, what wouldn't I give to get my hands on one of those. As you say, if only your Mum had realised all those years ago. Then again, think of all the rare coins that have circulated, often for many decades, if not over a century, with every single owner of the coin, over time, having no clue what they held.

For me, and in no particular order:- The Edward VII and pre 1927 George V shilling The George V florin The Victorian bun penny The wren farthing The thrift plant threepeny bit All modern era I know.......

But clearly some did enter circulation. In the Copthorne collection, for example, Steve (Accumulator on here) got his from loose change - link

I wonder just how many of this extremely rare type were actually minted, and why they were issued for circulation.

Fairly amateurishly written article I thought, Richard, but at least the journalist had taken the trouble to correctly source some very pithy and relevant information. Therefore useful.

Well it would appear from this article that around 200,000 trial pieces were minted. You might also be interested in a long running thread on the issue here

If it is a die clash, it's difficult to know how it was allowed to happen with the technology we have in place today. This is a quote from Michael Freeman's book "The Bronze coinage of Great Britain" 1985 edition, page 15, which explains the mechanics:- Other than that, I don't know. Others may have different thoughts to me. As I said earlier, the RM would be best placed to advise.

Yes, well clearly something went wrong in the striking process. Looks for all the world, like a die clash, and a spectaular one at that. Once common in the Victorian era, now almost unknown. It would be interesting to know if any other "strikees" experienced similar effects on their pound coins, around the time you struck yours. Might be worth contacting the Royal MInt, to find out.

Spink charge £10.00: £8.33 + 20% VAT = £10.00. Here's a partial copy and paste of my latest invoice:-

Can you supply pics please, Rich?

Interesting about adding VAT to shipping costs. I've just gone back over my receipts from various auctions, and it would appear that whilst Spink & DNW add the VAT to carriage, at 20%, London Coins don't. They have consistently charged a fixed amount of £7.50, for several years, including on my latest invoice dated 9.3.17. The cost of next day tracked delivery is £6.45, therefore £6.45 + 20% = £7.74. As £7.50 is charged, that would clearly indicate that VAT is not being added to postage, and that the additional £1.05 is for the jiffy bag. Colin Cooke didn't add VAT to postage either. As far as the £5 a day storage costs are concerned, I'd say that if, as John did, you've settled up as soon as reasonably practicable, eg: the day after the auction ended, then charging storage costs is bloody outrageous. If it's been a few weeks without settlement, then maybe at that point they could kick in.

I suppose "a very old penny dated 1912", might pass grammatical muster

I can't speak highly enough of Colin Cooke. Never been disappointed, and they are absolutely straight down the line, with every transaction. Bought quite a large number of coins from them over the years, and the service has always been friendly, honest, unpretentious and down to Earth, which is all anybody can ask. Pricing also very fair and realistic.

Thanks for the heads up, John. They will ultimately lose by employing such sharp practice.

I would avoid buying sovereigns on e bay. It's not trustworthy, and you can easily get ripped off by sharks, unless you really know your stuff, and even then you can come unstuck. With gold, go to established dealers, or reputable auction houses.

Cheers John. Fantastic items on offer anyway, and I've bid for two rarities. Good luck !!!

Great idea. I get so brassed off with blatant dishonesty. As you say, e bay seem unwilling to get involved.

You're lucky to have a manager with Rafa's pedigree, especially as he did the decent thing and stopped after Newcastle were relegated in 2016. I hope the Newcastle fans chant his name loudly at Stamford Bridge next season, after the appalling treatment he got from Chelsea's fans, during his time there. Anyway, sorry to learn of your Dad's passing. Some great pennies in his collection, which I notice has now got its own section "The Frank Stephenson collection of pennies", as well as a section for the halfcrowns, and a really nice write up. Good to see you back anyway.

Brilliant - I nearly spat my tea over the screen. Needed that laugh after a totally humourless day. Cheers Peter

Posted in "Coin acquisition of the week" thread, VS

They're going like hot cakes, 9 a few minutes a go when I looked, 8 now as you noticed, Pete (not me, by the way. Not yet)

It might be. I must admit, I'm almost inclined to buy one myself if only for the curiosity factor.