Peckris

Yes, it does. Interpol was involved in high-profile faking crime syndicates on more than one occasion. It's not the 'making' of these items that is a crime, it's the attempting to pass them off as genuine. Same with international art forgeries.

I'd say that was almost definitely the reason. Scott. It was always the plan that shillings and florins (unlike what they said on The One Show) would continue to circulate alongside 5 and 10 pences as they were identical sizes and equivalent monetary value. Which they continued to do until the size reduction of the early 1990s. It was therefore still theoretically possible to receive a pre-1947 silver coin until comparatively recently, as I did on one or two occasions, to my great happiness! Sixpences were to have been withdrawn before D Day (1) but were reprieved and continued to circulate until ... 1980? (as 2 1/2p)

I though current estimates are about 11-12. I have held the example in the British Musueum, had to wear rubber gloves though. As to the royal family holding collections, I suspect they do although may not actively collect themselves. A 1935 proof crown previously owned by Eddie VIII came up for sale late last year. Had been kept nicely polished by his housekeeper. The accurate estimate IS 7 - but those are for the 'currency type' 1933 pennies, as itemised by Andy. However, you have to add into the equation the pattern 1933s, where the obverse was a new portrait designed by André Lavrillier. One of those was sold by Colin Cooke fairly recently. No-one knows for absolutely sure how many of these there are, but likely only a handful (probably rarer even than the currency type). One of them is a uniface, obverse only, but still classed as a 1933.

Welcome to the forums Brian "the whole 30 years" of what, exactly? (By the way, you'd be better creating a new thread for something like this - just for future reference. But it's no biggie.) If I'm wrong I'll apologise but think this might be the prelude to a spam attack... Tres bien mon amie Now you come to think of it ... I was so busy welcoming him to the forum, I failed to see he'd not mentioned our hobby!

I share your pain. Mine are too busy fighting, shagging and doing things they'd rather I didn't know about to concentrate on anything so 'static' as collecting coins. I can just about get them to play golf, but that's as far as they will go. Just got my eldest boy (12) interested in fishing. He told me you can do it on an xbox, ps3 apparently! He even likes helping to sort my job lots from auctions and takes some for his "collection" Sadly he has discovered girls and puberty now so I fear all may be lost!!! I started, on passing an antiques shop many many years ago, and in a saucer in the window was a worn copper coin dated 1672, price 6d. I couldn't resist owning something that old, that cheap! The head was a silhouette, but I could make out the legend CAROLVS A CAROLO, was thrilled when told this was Charles II.

Shockingly dishonest, those Vicky sixpences.

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Nice coin & a good starting point for a collection. I agree with others who say that colleting UNC examples is definitely a good thing, even though it may take you longer because of higher prices. It will certainly save you having to upgrade later ~ and trust me, you always want to upgrade eventually. Good luck Very interesting article. I never realised that a 1958 threepence in true BU was so difficult to come by. Ironically enough a BU 1958 threepence was one of the first coins I ever bought way back in 1992, at the age of 14. The 1958 3d was a much-hyped 'scarcity' in the late 60s. I always thought later it must be a bit of a myth, like the 1946 BU halfpenny. But now you come to mention it, I've hardly ever seen one (unlike the 1946 halfpenny...)

Fosse, You're correct. The £1 was on its way to being minted for circulation every year but then none were produced in 1998/9. Mind you, since 2000, all denominations have been produced every year. The reason for that is very simple. The two pound coin had been introduced in 1998, so demand for pound coins eased off. This is similar to the growth in popularity of the old 12-sided 3d which caused a reduction in demand for the penny in the early 1940's and from 1949 to 1960, and also for the drop in demand for the 50p after the introduction of the pound coin.. Not to mention the total disappearance of halfcrowns for 25 years after the Victorians introduced the florin (though I suspect that may have been the tail wagging the dog).

Good to see a "newbie" of your standing Tony

I know! To think when I were a nipper I could change my five bob into a bag of pennies to sort through, take it back, get another bag, and so on ...

Most modern digital cameras have some form of 'anti shake' that prevent the worst effects of camera shake.

Welcome to the forums Brian "the whole 30 years" of what, exactly? (By the way, you'd be better creating a new thread for something like this - just for future reference. But it's no biggie.)

Hello, I'd go for it ... maybe you could see something else for a couple of pounds if you have spare cashola ... my budget is £10 i am looking at a 1945 half crown (gEF)for the other £5 or a 1949 Half Crown EF for £4 Judge those two on how they look to you ("coin appeal"). The 1945 is a silver coin, but is quite easy to find in that grade. The 1949 is cupro-nickel like modern 'silver', and is quite scarce in high grade (make sure it's minimum EF, and looks attractive - there's a lot of dull EF coins around from 1947 on).

Oops, I forgot to say that iPhoto is a Mac software! But if you use Photoshop a lot, then you're probably very comfortable with the parts you know. I know I am (just don't talk to me about 'blending modes' or 'masks' )

They are the designers' initials. KG = (G) Kruger Gray WG = William Gardner You'll see designers' initials on many coins since 1816, and pretty much all 20th Century.

Very interesting article. I tend to agree with all his findings bar one : BU 1942 Scottish shillings are NOT hard to find! I had several pass through my hands when dealing.

I'm not quite sure what you mean about your grandma? If the coins are UNC (pictures would be good when you're able!) then the 1939 would be worth around £6 - £8 (it contains real silver) and the 1963 no more than a pound or two. There are two different reverses of each - "English" and "Scottish" (worth the same each, for those two dates) : on the 1939, the English lion is standing on the crown, the Scottish lion is squatting on it like it's having a sh*t. On the 1963, there are three leopards, and on the Scottish, one lion upright.

OMG, that's a clear 9 !! If it wasn't for the wear and general appearance I'd say it was a joke coin, but it actually looks a genuine worn coin of the period. I'd be tempted to send that off for appraisal and comment. If it turns out to be a true variety, it could be called the TARDIS ! (Take A Recut Date - I'm Serious)

Just a tip - still photos (or scans) are much easier to see than a video! Especially where the camera seems to have had a few bevvies

Sensible buy. It's not the priciest Elizabeth II halfcrown, it's sort of halfway between 1954 (the scarcest in UNC) and 1967 (the commonest). Mostly you can't go wrong with Elizabeth II 1950s coins in UNC, they will do ok in years to come. And those halfcrowns are rather nice (in UNC).

No commission from Canon but if you do like it send £10 to ... Sorry no refunds given for advice. Seriously once you get it would be nice if you could take some snaps and share them with us and give us your verdict. Snaps of coins or salmo salar? The former is no problem, the latter may be a very long wait How are you finding it? I take it all of the pics on your site are from the canon? They are good crisp shots. Are you using a tripod or flying solo? Yes, I'd be interested to know this too. What accessories do people use to photo coins in an absolutely flat plane at right angles to the lens? I meant the coins but pics of a Salmon would be nice. I used a tripod and coins on a flat surface.I sometimes tilt a coin to get a better reflection of its surface, particularly to capture colourful coins. I'm thinking about buying a couple of daylight bulbs/ lights but at the moment found the best option is natural day light. I've got a small piece of glass which I am going to attempt to use for taking picture of proofs through. Has anyone seen this site? it has some good tips for coin Photography: http://www.blackmountaincoins.com/coins/My-Approach-to-Coin-Photography/subpage201.html Daylight bulbs I found to be almost as bad as a flash. I used to do a lot of antique silver plate (that's sterling or britannia items not dressed up copper for the uninitiated), hence the Argentum in the title. The daylight bulbs were way too bright and the only way I could use them was by lighting the walls of a photography tent externally with the object inside. This is obviously no use for coins at all. I favour natural daylight like yourself, but we are in very short supply in North Cumbria most days! I should have the new beastie on Thursday according to Argos direct!!!!....,,,,so I will do a couple of pics of the same coin with the old and new camera. I only resize pictures and have never even attempted photo shop, suite, or whatever else is available. I'm usually doing batches of 20 or so coins at a time so I wouldn't have the time if I could raise the inclination to titivate pictures! Besides, evidence tampering was always a big no no I use Photoshop quite a lot, but it's almost got too many features for the average punter. Whereas iPhoto has only a limited range but they are all there in one row of simple icons and contain the ones most needed : exposure, levels, colour balance, sharpness, contrast, rotate, crop, plus a few basic effects (sepia, B&W, 'aged', vignette, etc). For us collectors, iPhoto would do everything we need doing really.

Shame on you, selling undersized groats. I'll have the Weights & Measures people onto you.

This was an early undocumented attempt at decimalisation at the end of the 18th Century, trialled in Ireland. The coin in question is an early 50p. (Oh, it's NOT April 1st today? Soz.) Seriously, it may be an undocumented 7 over 9 variety, as there were many die punching errors before the 19th Century. This example may have the 9 showing strongly below the 7. But as has been said, a picture or scan is a must. If you can enlarge just the date area that would be even better.

Hello Howard, Welcome to the forum. There are plenty of users on here that will help with your coins. I think you're better off keeping the old stuff than buying an undated 20p though, overhyped and overated! John. I agree 100%! Save your money. Those undated 20p's are a veritable flash in the pan, unlike the 1983 'NEW PENCE' 2p reverse, which is very rare. But modern coins are, in the eyes of most people here, not as attractive as older ones. For me personally that means mostly from 1936 back (George V and earlier). To save a lot of time, if you have a scanner, scan your coins (carefully!) in batches, both sides, and let us judge them that way - if you try to do them all singly, you (and we) will be here forever. And to start with, do your oldest and best condition ones first - if you can't make out the legend or design, don't bother! Did your grandad ever mention "never clean coins"? Still applies. Don't.