Sword

I don't think 1927 proof coins are unloved, I just think that a mintage of 15k for a proof coin is not low, and comfortably satisfies the demand of people who wants one. In addition the series also has a large number of circulating coins at UNC giving anyone an opportunity to get a type example. The 1887 proof crown on the other hand has a mintage of only about 1k (and there are far fewer circulating UNC examples).

I agree with Peckris that the loss of details is virtually all due to weak striking. Otherwise, wear would be very obvious in other areas like the garter letterings. And with these 0.50 silver points, areas of wear would show discolouration. If there is still lustre on the top of the shield area, then it's another indication that it is weak striking. You can still try to upgrade to specimens that are fully struck!

Congrats, Eric for getting the PL descriptor! Looking forward to seeing it. Obviously, the reflective fields would be obvious to someone seeing the coin in real life, but it is really nice to have it as part of the grade as a photo might not capture it so well. I agree that calling a prooflike coin a "variety" is just wrong. But I think NGC is using the term proof like simply to describe a circulating coin with unusually reflective fields and it is just a description of the appearance. The amount of "reflectivity" needed for the PL destination is of course subjective and depends on the opinion of the grader but then all grading by a TGP is subjective. Descriptors like PL also indicates that coins of the same "grade" can differ significantly in value and desirability despite the impression often given by TGPs to the contrary. From NGC website: "Most circulation issue coins have minimally reflective fields, even in Mint State (MS) grades. When a circulation issue coin’s fields exhibit a higher-than-normal degree of reflectivity, the coin is said to be “Prooflike” (or “PL”) because it is reminiscent of a Proof coin. If the fields are deeply mirrored, the coin is said to be “Deep Prooflike” (or “DPL”). NGC uses the PL or DPL modifiers after an MS coin’s numeric grade, when applicable. These designations indicate only the degree of reflectivity evident in a coin’s fields and make no implication as to other qualities associated with Proof coins, such as frosted devices and superior sharpness."

Although the mintage of Maundy coins is not high, they do mostly survive in good condition as they are not circulating coins. In addition, Maundy coins are minted every year. I don't think Maundy "odds" (i.e. not in complete sets) are considered to be rare.

I think these photos were taken after the coin has been slabbed and not before. Otherwise, the resolution wouldn't be so poor. But some of the earlier slabbed CGS coins don't have CGS photos. Photos was optional in the early days and the fee was halved (if I remember correctly) not to have a photo taken.

That's a fairly long die crack. I imagine the obverse die would be used for multiple years until it's too damaged. But the reverse die has the date and so needs to be replaced each year.

It's amazing how the letters are so neatly and completely removed! (Almost looks like it was intentionally done.) Since the missing letters are unfortunately "REX" and "FID D", it might eventually be given the nickname "abdication 5p" if more examples are known. Long live our King, and long may he reign!

I do like the eagle on the 19C Reich Marks. Those used in the 1950s features starving birds. The American coins also feature good eagles.

That's a shame as this medal was awarded to significant scientists and inventors. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Price_Wetherill_Medal#:~:text=The John Price Wetherill Medal,was last awarded in 1997. I believe it is a plated bronze medal with the recipient's name and year engraved on the reverse. Hence, the name and date is necessary to identify it.

I would probably grade it as poor/ fair.

This is an example currently on ebay https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/286858256262?_ul=GB&rb_itemId=286858256262&rb_pgeo=GB&ff=11&mkevt=1&mkcid=1&mkrid=710-53481-19255-0&campid=5339059258&toolid=10044&customid=EAIaIQobChMIw4mbmJKCkwMVNZFQBh1XmwlQEAQYASABEgJPmfD_BwE&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIw4mbmJKCkwMVNZFQBh1XmwlQEAQYASABEgJPmfD_BwE&wbraid=CkEKCQiA5I_NBhCCARIwAMgyZG8xxosq4BPX_CPxcGrxjS_UTjJ9HmTKiqjU2kNd9LefuQ78iABAQGBdF3BnGgLBPw&gbraid=0AAAAADA7Q_KTN7L5aJF6e68c0HDcbcgrU&adtype=pla&loc_physical_ms=9045836&loc_interest_ms=&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=20511325147&gbraid=0AAAAADA7Q_KTN7L5aJF6e68c0HDcbcgrU

Is the damage two small holes at the edge? I think quite a few were into swivel mount brooches.

Welcome to the predecimal forum! It's really nice that you have kept the coins from your early collecting days. £7.50 was indeed a lot in those days. Having one of those blue Wellington fivers made me felt rich when I started secondary school in the 80s. I collect silver rather than bronze but have brought a few pennies and half pennies as type examples. I think the first bronze I have brought was the same YH type: 1853 half penny. I then got a bun penny and half penny as I am fond of that portrait and it's a shame that it was never used on silver coinage.

I would say Fine, reverse better

I haven't brought a copy for sometime and wonder if Sovereign Rarities has done a reasonable / good job for the 2025 and 2026 catalogues.