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Paulus, Here you go. http://www.which.co.uk/consumer-rights/problem/i-want-to-return-something-bought-online- Dave, nothing wrong with strong opinions however it might be good to be carful. Strong statements such as 'serial over graders' on a public board could leave you open to legal action. If Chris is reading this he may want to consider modifying it for his own protection. Surely the kind of language to use is ' I don't always agree with their grading, for me they are not conservative enough'. We will all get the message and all you have done is express an opinion. Kind regards Mark

Well as to whether lockdales over grade is debatable. I would say they are no worse or better than several auction houses. Certainly I have seen coins over graded and some under graded. Guess which ones it's a good idea to bid for? Having said that it's an opinion anyway. Paulus if you bid online, my understanding is that you can return them. Anything purchased through the Internet can be returned within fourteen days. Mark

Hope so I miss him on here too. Mark

Hi Redd, I don't think so, alas. Don't proffess to being an expert in Roman and ancient, but have recently been building a selection and enjoyed many an hour cataloging and describing for future use. Your biggest problem is the low grade of most of these. Serious money dosn't kick in until you get to grades around good very fine, or extremely fine. That's of course a general comment. No doubt money wasn't the main consideration when the collection was being built, but it is of course when it comes to selling. If there is a rarity then depending on its condition your dealer will hopefully flag it up and make you a fair offer. I hope he would be willing to explain why he would offer you that price as well. Regards Mark

Mynki, Read Ozjohn's post carefully. Remember all grading is an opinion. A conservative sellers 'almost, virtually, about' could be what your looking for. Particularly when considering early VICTORIAN silver with die wear anomalies, being dogmatic may not be your best way forward. Regards Mark

Paulus, Suggestion. Ring the Royal Mint and ask to be put through to the museum. They are very helpful. Mark

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/newsbysector/retailandconsumer/11502909/coins-stamps-alternative-investment.html We have called it right according to this. Mark

Declan, That must have been good time to buy hard, particularly 2008,09 just before prices took off. Mark

I take the point that most collect for the joy of it rather than an investment. Perhaps in the same way some buy a house to live in, but in time, historically, they have done nicely. However the fact is that serious money needs to find a home, and some of it has found its way into alternative investments, always has always will. Money is like muck, needs to be spread. Particularly during the recession money from new investors was diversified into alternatives, away from stocks & bonds. Now this dosnt always suit the collector, it tends to push up prices. However collectors over a long period will not be complaining to much. This may result in some collectors because of undersandable cash constraints being pushed into more recent eras for their collecting material. As to the investment value of coins, well you can see the appeal. As a potential store of wealth they can be passed on to later generations. Of course everyone's tax affairs are different but nevertheless coins are convenient. There really is some merit in combining a hobby with investing for tax planning purposes. It may not be high on everyone's radar but it has merit. As to the potential losses referred to earlier because of auction charges etc, while that is true, it could be said of many investments initially. But it is a factor and should be considered. With stock markets high, both here and in America, we may well witness further diversification away from markets into alternatives. The low interest rate environment certainly encourages this for obvious reasons. Of course as someone indicated earlier there has to be a balance of buyers and sellers, but then when has it ever been different. Mark

Paulus, I'm not sure about this bubble thing. Don't get me wrong having given investment advice all through my working life, now retired, I have seen several bubbles. However it just strikes me that coins and stamps have just caught up. The thing is no one is reproducing them any more. How much longer before coins are a thing of the past? Take a look at fountain pens. They are going up in price all the time. Why? Production numbers must be dropping. Never good to be complacent but in a low interest rate economy, aside from the pleasure of collecting, this dosn't appear to be a bad place to park some cash. Mark

Dave, Pay close attention to the last budget.. You can now cash them in. All is not lost. The point is annuities were fine when interest rates were higher. Those days are long gone. Mark

Ah but Peter why would anyone buy an annuity with the new bank account pension arrangements. If I may make a non political point. The pension changes which give full access to ones pension pot is about the most sensible thing done in government for a long time. Mark

Paulus, This thread is a nice idea. This is dark but really like it. Mark

Jaggy, I take it your not into eye appeal. LOL. Nice coin. Mark

Well Chris, isn't it interesting that potential or real crooks always go for gold. They never seem to go for little brown, worn jobs with a rare mint mark and date, that few know are really worth something. What a contrast I had a very nice customer contact me this week to buy an 1817 half soveregn in about UNC. Promptly sent me his cheque after intelligent conversation. Apparently he's buying it for a museum. Mind you he was pleased to tell me that his own example was better than mine. But mine was good enough. It's just so much simpler, I can always deal with customers like. Regards Mark

Me too if you can manage it. Thanks Mark

Hi, For those interested in this important period from a numismatic perspective can I just draw attention to a series of articles that 'Peckris' is kindly contributing on our web site. The first one is entitled above and can be found under the articles tab. I know that articles two and three are coming along nicely and will be posted in due course. Mark

Hi Scotsman Yes VF. Welcome to the board You may want to get yourself a copy of the 'Standard Guide for Grading Coins' from this website. It will save you a lot of money. You can buy in hard copy or even cheaper to download to a mobile device. I wouldn't buy another coin until I had learned the basics of grading if I were you. It will give you confidence. Some of these coins have been waiting for over 100 years for you to buy them. They can be a little more patient while you decide what you want. Buy the best you can afford. This is really the area to apply the 'less is more principle'. You won't regret it when you or your heirs come to sell. Kind regards Mark

I think this just highlights the descriptive superiority of the traditional method. It's so simple ' surface marks left of kings face, apart from that Uncirculated'. Much superior to 'CGS 80' whatever that means IMO. Of course buyer and seller can determine price following an honest description. Mark

http://www.jncoins.co.uk/JNC/en/content/20-coins-of-george-v-part-1-the-early-years

Wow.

Stewie, You wise old sage. We just really haven't advanced much gave we.? Mark

Well she looks much better on the back of an EDWARD VII florin. Mark

Peter, Sounds like you have life sorted. Purely as a matter of interest why have you avoided proofs? Mark

Hi Elliot, Is you concern about the grade? AUNC, or the use of the term "proof like". Regards Mark