Colin G.

If only it was that clear cut...it seems this topic always gets dragged down to a level that is too simplistic. I agree that a "two pronged trident" or a "filled 2" might not be a "variety" as we typically define one. But what does constitute a variety? It is not that easy a question to answer when you try and establish a set of rules that apply across a series/denomination. Are the punctuation differences in the James I and Charles I farthings a true variety? How about the Charles II pattern farthings, where legend position is the indicator. The varieties of 1881H farthing which are predominantly established through the style/position of the H. Would the "rounded top" lighthouse variety of 1881H farthing be worthy of inclusion? Why are we happy to define a minor tweak to the main design, a grained edge, a change in alignment or material used as a type or variety, but if the same thing happens in relation to other aspects, such as the legend or date it is dismissed so easily. When does a different strike material become an error or a different type? It is a subject that is a lot more complicated than people think at first glance. When you actually try and catalogue a list of varieties, using a defined set of parameters it becomes exceedingly difficult. I am not saying that anyone is necessarily right or wrong, but I would always be willing to listen to someone's opinion and read how or why they established the parameters they have before dismissing it as not following the "norm" It is often by studying these features that additional knowledge on die sequencing and coin production/design becomes apparent. Defining the two Reverse designs for the copper Victorian Farthing series was only possible through cataloging and studying the design intensively and establishing a recurring pattern. Any of the individual features allocated to the identification could have been dismissed as being insignificant reworking of the dies, however as a collective group of features they help establish a new design type.

I must admit I thought the estimates/reserves in the farthings I looked at were over the top

Stuart that is my approach too, paper envelopes scribbled on and then you can review when you get time

It is great when you get to communicate with informed people on these issues. In isolation some of these facts would not be apparent, it is only when the collective knowledge comes together that the outcome becomes clear.

What we need is "third party programmers" who could check a piece of software and allocate it a grade

It's developed into an authoritative website, the best reference site for the farthing! I'd like to see a reference work to go with it, Colin! It can't be far off, the legwork is done!G-numbers, perhaps? Edit: I say this with all due respect to CC, but I like CG's ongoing development. I don't think he should sit in the shadows of the unfinished works of the great farthing men...he should blossom and create/finish the work that he obviously knows about, and understands so well! Thanks for the encouragement...I certainly do need it at the moment. The last 12 months have been fairly manic at work, and we have had a family illness that has demanded a lot of time and continues to do so. The first book is not too far away but every time I set a target something goes wrong!!!

Don't get disheartened, I think these sorts of personal items are very fascinating, I really enjoy finding lead tokens and bag/cloth seals. Much more interesting than all those four hole buttons and shotgun caps!

Definitely a lead token, get plenty of these sort of things detecting. I understand they were used by farm hands as payment from the employer to use for buying farm produce

Happy new year everyone!!

Merry Christmas everyone!!

Not sure whether anyone would be interested, however this year I picked my pencils and paper up after a break of more than 25 years to do some drawing. I am still very much learning and as a result have offered to draw portraits or pet portraits for anyone, on the understanding that once they receive the original sketch they make a contribution to either or both of the charities nominated. If anyone is interested drop me a PM or send me an e-mail through my website and I will see what I can sort out. https://www.justgiving.com/teams/ColinGoode

Peter send me a pic through and I will get it done ?

Better clear out the inbox ready for the dinner plate ?

Dave, no problem at all, drop me a photo through and I will sort it out. Ideally a good quality photo ?

Politics and Religion...two topics that always get forum debates heated.......oh and of course TPG's

Not the best photos, but my example is fully struck up on the Reverse, although has metal flow issues

Buckinghamshire

Just seems bizarre to have so many tweaks on a feature that small. I suppose when they were checking the fine detail on a matrix/working die, it would be the area most prone to fill with the detail involved, so perhaps that is the explanation.

Makes you wonder why so many varieties on such a small feature, why not as many varieties on other features such as the trident, waves or shield? Possible attempt at die identification or just a part of the design that ended up getting reworked every time a working die was produced?

My website is aboutfarthings.co.uk

A selfless plug, I Have been selling some of my commonwealth coins, might be worth having a look on my site (link below), in case there is anything that appeals. There are also some coins on the website that accompanies this forum "predecimal.com" and I would gladly vouch for Chris owns the site

I agree some of the Britannia designs are quite appealing compared to the currency issues

Just a note to say thankyou to Pete for his generosity. My parcel arrived today, very pleased with the contents, amazing how much work and effort has been put into the pieces. A welcome addition to my collection....thanks again

Many happy returns Bob

PM sent