£400 for a Penny ?

Well, use them or lose them....

Mine is about 15 years old (I think - too lazy to get up and look) what I particularly like about it is his 'collectors notes' on the series and what, in his opinion, is a realistic goal for the putative collector. It's a hobbywide tome and therefore doesn't go into the depth a serious type collector would want, but as a general work of reference, it's great. Massive book as well - over an inch and three quarters thick in A4 and size counts, right ?

In fairness though, and to add balance, his standard catalogue reference book that he wrote is excellent IMO. Much better than Spink. Don't think he does it anymore, may have been something of a one off ?

I used to work just around the corner from CC and the BM, it is a tourist trap with shops selling Union Jack hats etc, etc and I guess Phoenix reflects that. The shop itself is mostly given over to 'antiquities' with few coins on display. Did score my 1927 and 1930 in BU there however, but paid £30 and £50 cash and he wouldn't take an offer, wouldn't budge. The dog.

They are probably not there at the weekends. I'd give them a week or two.

Ah so. I've chucked them all back in the pot now.

What's that one then ?

And, yes, I am at a bit of a loose end today...

I got quite excited

To show willing, I stuck my hand in my 'copperpot' and low and behold, I didn't find any, but I did manage a date run in EF with nearly full mint lustre....

Remember to come back and let us know how you got on.

Contact these people - they have heads the size of crisp boxes and they know everything. http://www.britishmuseum.org/the_museum/departments/coins_and_medals.aspx http://www.britishmuseum.org/about_this_site/contact.aspx If you address it FAO Coins and medals and explain what you have found out so far, enclose two good, clear pictures, I've found them to be extremely helpful every time.

Not an expert, but medallions were a big deal back in those days and companies, towns and even individuals often issued them. Yours is similar to the Blackpool issue to celebrate the coronation, but the king and queen are facing the other way. http://www.medallions.co.uk/1902coronationmedallionblackpool.html What does it say on the other side/rim ?

There is so much scepticism in the market and on ebay about 'manufactured' errors, especially after that 20p farago, that probably the only way to go is to send it off to CGS for an opinion as to whether it has been tampered with or is a genuine mistrike. It'll cost you a tenner, they will probably say it's been tampered with, but you never know and if they certify it and slab it, then who knows what it might fetch, no-one can say. In the meantime, if it is genuine, then we need to find some more as there will be some. You'll be helped greatly if someone finds another one.

If you wanted a different type of book from a catalogue, i.e. a good read rather than a reference, I would buy 'the splendid shilling' by James O'Donald Mays.

27th July 1694. Important point about all this being, is that he (and his mates) put in place the mechanism to beat Napoleon 100 years later. Whereas Le General had to personally appeal for funds to continue his fight, the British merely issued a bond. Pissed him off no end it did - his "nation of shopkeepers" rant was wholly about that. But that's what you want from a king right ? A positive contribution, a steely gaze looking ahead and a strong hand on the tiller.

His horse put it's leg down a molehill(hole) and threw old Bill, who then died of pneumonia and complications arising from his injuries I believe. This led to the after dinner toast in catholic circles, 'to the little gentleman in the velvet jacket'. Bill having been invited across from Holland to depose the catholic James II by the protestant estate. He landed at Brixham in Devon, there is a statue of him there and I once ate fish and chips sitting on his foot - from this I claim aquaintance. He also introduced the concept of goverment debt, i.e. bonds/gilts and generally speaking is one of my favourite kings. Massive hooter though...

I'm only pulling your leg, don't take it personally - but DO go and borrow your friends camera.....

Sadly, I don't, I expect it nowdays. However, hopefully the object lesson will have been learned and we can add another collector to our ranks.

I think you're being a touch generous in saying the picture 'isn't very good'. I'll have to downgrade it to shite I'm afraid.

Well, he got his money back, so alls well that ends well. The forum has prevailed over the forces of darkness once more.

I wouldn't mind a go on posh - it would have to be on the understanding that she kept her mouth shut though....

You must stay strong, Luke, ignore the braying hordes( even if they are 100% correct) and follow your own path. But definitely get your money back on that one.

Not the first time he's done that. What a sick society we live in - ooh you're famous....

Well, It's basically all bollocks isn't it. It has to be a good coin to get to 75, a very nice coin to get to 82, a superb coin to get to 85 and after that it's the preserve of proofs and they aren't real coins are they. To be ranting about the 90's is not living in the real world for circulated currency.