Nick

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)

..and my all time favourite http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=09A5vR0gvZ0 Well, there's no accounting for taste...

It's not unusual for DNW hammer prices to be a low multiple of the estimate.

Do you think that people realise that they are bidding for a mousemat? Currently at £21.01, which seems a huge amount for an item that would usually be around a fiver. BTW. This is one of Dave's favourite eBay sellers (previously *country*country*interiors*).

With the new feedback system it'll be nigh on impossible to email the buyer. Which is just what eBay wants. Being able to tell buyers that they have bought a forgery, means that they will return it to the seller and eBay lose the commission on the sale. Ebay's motive for the obscured feedback system is clear.

I wonder if the die sinker/checker was sacked for that spelling mistake?