sound

Bernie, What denomination do you collect? M

1920 & 1921 are the two most difficult years to find in high grade outside the the rarer GV silver. Poor metal mix didn't help either.

Rob, I get the brain, eyes and heart bit. But in fairness to CGS I don't think they have told us we must like it. Isn't the whole idea to present a consistent numerical grading system. Now that's where I think it falls down in terms of eye appeal etc. For my liking it's just a little to clinical. I would like to know do others think it's working? In other words are three graders or whatever achieving the consistency they are aiming for? Mark

I see it slightly differently, unless I have misunderstood. There is only a conflict of interest if they don't declare it, which they do, a bit like MP's. When I determine what I think the value of a coin should be, I first look at Rob's website, consider what Azda said he paid fot it, then ask Peck what the value should be. Armed with that priceless information I can trawl through auctions archives etc and see what mistakes others have made with their purchases. So when it comes to London coins estimates, CGS pricing and along with Spink's catalogue I'm in a position to studiously ignore them. Simple really. Mark LOL

Peck, Do you have any decimal coins in your collection? Mark I do indeed! Many of the proof sets, some of the scarcer pre-BU-set items, and quite a few of the official issues (snapped up for bargain prices at auction ) However, I think you missed my little Welsh joke. I did indeed. LOL. You are much too subtle for me. I find decimal coinage to be just too manufactured. I wonder did anyone say that about Gothic florins. However the Edinburgh £1.00's did appeal as they ticked the potential rarity boxes. Mark

Peck, Do you have any decimal coins in your collection? Mark

Cartwheel, At times the comments can seem a bit harsh on here, but they really do attempt to be factual. You don't seem to have overpaid. You might want to upgrade in the future. Mark

These are low mintages for circulated coins. High grade will be hard to come by. I contacted the mint under the freedom of information act with regard to the 2011 Edinburgh £1. Someone tipped me off they were scarce. Managed to pick a few up in in uncirculated. Mark

Here's a link http://blog.royalmint.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/ROYAL-MINT-WALL-CHART-small.jpg

Hi Jason, You have received some sound advice from knowledgable posters. I would save it and log it because you won't generally get this for free. The only thing I would add which I don't think has been mentioned is work out a budget. If Victorian shillings at £200+ a hit in high grade are beyond you, it will be frustrating. Look at a catalogue and consider what is affordable over time. If you find it affordable you will find it far more satisfying. Regards Mark

Do you mean on of these? Smilie Mark

We may find that interest rates do not return to there previous highs. Before the 1970's the world enjoyed much lower interest rates. Of course rates will rise but the new normal could be the old normal. The bubble may burst at the top end of the coin market but the centre may stay firm. Particularly if you buy the idea that more people are collecting than ever before. Mark

It certainly is. Chris reasonably has a for sale section on this site, which he appears to police with a light touch. Don't think I would purchase from above on principle. In fact I always look to purchase where I can from Chris because of the forum he provides free of charge. Would urge others to consider doing the same. Mark

Martin at AMR Coins is trustworthy. His descriptions are accurate and fair. Mark

The last glass of red wine was at Xmas. My weakness is rare breed liver/oily fish. It is also down to dehydration. I'm drinking a vast quantity of water and eating cherries. It is getting better. Well those fish will do it. Mine is held at bay by eating red meat rarely, almost no red wine. Mind you I find lager and plenty of White wine no problem at all. Hey Ho life's not all bad. Mark

A little surprised to see Spink values this at £ 200 in uncirculated, the regular 1838 at £180.00. Would have thought the sideways 8 much scarcer. Any thoughts? Mark

"Spink don't have a clue on some things. The 1921 shilling with the first obverse, is much rarer than the price differential with the normal type listed in the Standard Catalogue." Do you happen to have one? Mark

Garrett, I have. Trouble is I can't find one as good as this to compare. Regards Mark

"I've got plenty of Uric acid.....2nd bout of gout in 10 years...not to be recommended." Afraid the only solution is to lay off the red wine. Mark

Simon, be pleased to see the picture. Mark

Chris, Thanks for that. Must be rare for CCGB to price higher than Spink. Smile (I'm on my I pad) I think you are nearer the mark. This one is as good as it looks with nearly full lustre. Regards Mark

Not even subtle anymore Peter! I thought that was subtle for Peter.

It's a mistake to think that 'brightness' is necessarily a sign of cleaning. Polishing would cause it, but looks very unnatural, while dipping actually reduces brightness (increases LIGHTNESS, i.e. colour, but reduces lustre). A coin that has retained its BU condition might indeed look 'bright' and there are many 19th Century silver coins that have a mirror finish, almost prooflike. Peck, I have just used John's method of cleaning using Bicarbonate & Foil on some old low grade silver. Compared to dipping in a Goddard's it seems by far superior for the reasons you have stated. My general feeling is that cleaning should be avoided at all costs. However their will always be that one coin that almost begs to be cleaned. John, The retone looks really good. Just one year? Mark

Peter, After being bundled to death by my Grandsons this weekend have to admit I now qualify as an old un Mark

woops the last one is not a proof. carried away again