Hussulo

It does look like a nice off metal/ wrong planchet error. "I'd have thrown a lot more than a 10p blank into the hopper, I can tell you...." Like this: http://www.byersnc.com/11219829.html

Thats great news and at least we have found out what it was used for.

Personally I wouldn't wipe any of my coins. A rinse in acetone or distilled water is okay. I've heard of some people that have used the tip of a cocktail stick or rose thorn to remove any crud in between legends etc. but you don't want to leave a mark on the coin. Recently bought some new coins to sell on my site. Unfortunately someone has wiped the obverse of this coins. It would have been a lovely coin, but the wipe has brought the value down: http://www.prestigenumismatics.com/1916-george-v-half-crown-44-p.asp

I've never seen one before. I've been trying to look it up but can't find it. Sorry I can't help.

Acetone dip works well on silver, especially silver coins with PVC residue. If coins have been stored in PVC flips, over time they develop a slime as the PVC reacts with the silver. If you leave it too long the coins surface will be ruined but a dip in 100% acetone will remove the slime and shouldn't damage the coin. Apart from acetone I wouldn't use anything. Also be careful when handling acetone. Do so in a well ventilated area, try not to spill any on your skin or inhale any fumes. Its also very flammable.

Congrats on a great find azda. What is the colour like in hand? Even if it has been cleaned and chemically toned, it will still be desirable because its a rarity.

Cleaning of coins - Don't do it. He probably thinks its working a treat but when he comes to sell his collection I think he might be in for a nasty shock.

I've added my like Chris. I created a facebook profile for CoinsGB.com awhile ago. If anyone wants to add me as a friend: http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/profile.php?id=100000981487280

Once they spend some hard jail time, playing their playstations, playing pool, football, watching tv, being fed and clothed etc.. They are sure to change their ways.

I think I can faintly see some light at the end of the tunnel, and some words are starting to appear... ...Loraine117 banned...

A guide to buying coins on ebay

I think they have a type set for grading reference. Say bun head pennies graded 1-100 but I find it highly improbable that they have type sets for ALL types of coins they grade. It could be a 90 and the finest known. Meaning it still isn't perfect (100) and the likelihood is there never will be a coin of that type graded 100. It doesn't make it any less of a coin.

They were never that rare, with an estimated production of 100,000 , however they seemed to have grabbed the public's eye and command a large premium. I would like to own one but don't plan on spending £50 etc.. I like your idea however. If people get wind of your plan they will bid it uptil they win only expecting to pay 20p + £2 listing + £2.50 commission, therfore a total of £4.70. Thus you may get silly bids like £10,000 etc for one.. You would be better to list them at £4.70 buy it now, one at a time, but guaranteed the first batch of buyers will just flip them for a quick profit.

Not heard back from the museum yet but the medal arrived today. It's very nice, I took a couple of quick pictures of it. It weighs 21 grams.

Can anyone please help me identify this medal. I haven't received it in hand yet and the reverse is supposed to be blank. It looks like a renaissance type to me? SMOOTH EDGE MEASURES 29mm x 6.5mm

Thanks Sion, I have emailed Philip Attwood (Keeper of the British Museum’s Department of Coins and Medals.) "Formerly Curator of Medals, Philip retains direct responsibility for the Museum’s unrivalled collection of around 70,000 medals, comprising commemorative and art medals from the Italian Renaissance to contemporary works...." Hopefully if he has the time he may get back to me and I'll share any new information.

I'm 31 and joined in 2006. This was the first coin forum I joined and remains one of my favourites.

Merry Christmas and a happy New Year from me as well. Hope everyone had a nice day.

Welcome to the forum.

Welcome to the forum Jay.

Another odd thing is that there's no rhyme or reason as to who gets it. The fittest people sometimes succumb whereas those you would least expect are completely unaffected. Presumably comes down to genetics. Very true. I know Clive is a keen runner and no doubt very fit but altitude sickness can affect anyone. Wishing you all the very best Clive!

Azda I should also add that your coin images look like scans or low quality photos so the coins might be a lot nicer in hand with a lot of lustre and colour not shown in the fuzzy images. I can see a lot of nice detail and they look high grade but the images are a bit fuzzy. The second one, as mentioned is only really let down by the dark stains.

Azda your examples are nice but not BU, the other examples shown could be called BU as they are Uncirculated and still display almost full colour and lustre. I understand what you mean about older coins getting some slack when it comes to grading. In the US they do but in the UK they don't really. Like a lot of hammered coins only really go up to EF grade. I have heard some descriptions being "as struck" and maybe thats a better term then EF for hammered's? Take my 1644 Unite for example CGS graded it EF and not getting into the whole slabbing debate but I'm pretty sure even if it was sent to an auction house it would grade as EF, yet I can't see any wear on it. Sure its slightly double struck and weakly struck in parts but essentially it is nearly, if not as struck. Now the Spink price guide only goes up to VF so if it was sold or auctioned as EF what is it worth? I guess the market would ultimately decide.

UNCIRCULATED A coin that shows no wear at all, looks as it did when it left the mint with all the details intact. It may still display very slight "bag marks" or scuffs due to mass production and storage by the mint. BRILLIANT UNCIRCULATED Same as uncirculated however the coin still displays its original mint lustre (shine & colour). or as Spink defines them 95% colour lustre: Courtesy of MacCrimmon, Taken from: http://www.coinsgb.com/Grading.html

Bob, From my limited experience when offering a US coin for sale and having been contacted by a dealer I would concur with your experience. I think the dealers work off a grey sheet(guide)? which is more for buying coins whole sale. Regards, Hus