Nick

The obverse dies typically wear out more quickly, so if reverse die 23 was in use when the change occurred from obverse 4 to 5, it is likely that some of both exist.

It is a known, but rare, die pairing for the 1867 shilling. London Coins sold one 5 years ago.

Looks like item 2588 in Rob's catalogue also has something like R. D. stamped into it above the castle.

You're right Nick, I was rather fortunate, especially as the survival of early parish records in many areas is perhaps only 50%. There are, of course, many other records, manorial rolls, hearth tax returns etc, etc. but linking these to specific ancestors is often very difficult indeed. It did help that I stuck to researching only the male line (i.e. followed my surname) rather than branching off down any maternal lines. One big tip is not to rely on indexes, but to check original records wherever possible. It's amazing what contemporary pencil notes and anecdotes you can find in the margins or parish registers that help to add context to the bare facts. Indexes are valuable, in that they are more easily accessible, but any information gained from them must be confirmed in the original registers which, as you say, sometimes contain notes regarding the individuals concerned (often less than complimentary).

Good luck with that. I too have ancestors from the North-East, most of which have fairly uncommon surnames but my most troublesome line is named Robson.

I think most people will not be as fortunate as Accumulator to get back as far as 1560. I have traced all branches of my ancestry and all paths have run out of steam in the first half of the 18th century. More work is definitely required and probably some lateral thinking as to where to try next.

I totally agree that the when and the how should be down to the parties directly involved, but just making sure that the information is divulged at some point.

I'm sure it's a situation that is much more common than one might expect. It's rather selfish though not to allow a child to know their true parentage, when the only reason they are not told is to spare the shame of the conspirators.

If you are fortunate enough to have Scottish roots, more information can be obtained from Scottish certficates than from the English equivalents. Typically, post-1860 Scottish certificates contain the details of both parents (including maiden names) or both sets of parents in the case of a marriage.

There does seem to be a small amount of diameter variability with crowns. I've had crowns in the past that wedge into the lighthouse capsules, whereas others are quite free. I wouldn't be unduly concerned.

Because, if it had turned out to be genuine, you'd have just scratched away most of the value.

If you click on the 'switch' icon (top left corner of toolbar) the reply will toggle between textual and graphical. It's much easier to edit using the textual format.

Not easy to see the proofness of the fields in a photograph, but the rims and edge look exactly like those expected on proofs.

Unfortunately, the Labour Party in Westminster would die, as there are a disproportionate number of Scotsmen among them. We'd be saddled with the self-serving disgrace to humanity aka the Tory Party forever more. Nothing unfortunate about that. And there are plenty of self-serving disgraces in all political parties. Let's not get into a political argument. I was brought up from the cradle that morality and human values count for more than acquisition and personal wealth, but I acknowledge that not everyone agrees. Indeed, but the things you list are not mutually exclusive and none of them are the responsibility of government.

I hope it won't be to Long before we're no longer a part of Westminster. Are you eligible to vote in the independence referendum, Dave? Or is it just those who currently live in Scotland? Only residents of British nationality can vote. Just looked it up and it seems that residents from Commwealth and EU countries can also vote. Correct.Incorrect, only those Residenz in Scotland can vote Yes, you're right. My answer was missing the key word 'Scottish' before residents.

Unfortunately, the Labour Party in Westminster would die, as there are a disproportionate number of Scotsmen among them. We'd be saddled with the self-serving disgrace to humanity aka the Tory Party forever more. Nothing unfortunate about that. And there are plenty of self-serving disgraces in all political parties.

I hope it won't be to Long before we're no longer a part of Westminster. Are you eligible to vote in the independence referendum, Dave? Or is it just those who currently live in Scotland? Only residents of British nationality can vote. Just looked it up and it seems that residents from Commonwealth and EU countries can also vote.

I hope it won't be to Long before we're no longer a part of Westminster. Are you eligible to vote in the independence referendum, Dave? Or is it just those who currently live in Scotland?

The listed sale price is the same as my maximum bid price. I'm not sure how Noble works, but with many auction houses room bidders take priority. So it's possible someone won the coin from the floor. The 'my bids' section of the website suggests I've won and I've emailed for confirmation. We shall just have to see... I suggest you will always win it at your maximum, which is why I will only put in a pitifully low bid or not bother any more. Sounds like good advice Rob ... aren't the auction houses subject to some sort of scrutiny/audit around such things? I wouldn't have thought so. It would be so easy for them to invent a convenient under-bidder just below the highest commission bid received.

Seems quite appropriate at the moment...

Minisodah - ya, eh, I heard o' the place: That was a great show, and it sounds like you have the accent down pat! Ha,Ha! A classic film. A novel (but slightly predictable) use for a wood chipper...

I didn't even know about it! But you're right, there is such a thing. There is, but it's a bit counter-productive. What's the point of a discussion forum if all dissenting voices are ignored?

I would say most likely not. The metal overflow on the obverse rim doesn't quite fit with the usual flat, well-defined rims and sharp edges on the proofs.

Nice variation on a dance classic - what a powerful voice! (song starts at 33 seconds)