Colin G.

I should probably use the correct Obverse and Reverse combinations, whilst I am quoting berries they are completely different bust shapes and are readily apparent even on very low grade coins. One is Reverse A (beaded border) muled with Freeman Obverse 2 whilst the other is muled with Freeman Obverse 3

The only time I don't check the Lockdales auction catalogue and an 1860 5 berry mule is up for grabs without attribution and goes for peanuts If anyone here bought it, happy to give you a nice bit of profit Oh well I suppose the other bidder may have been willing to go much higher....

Yes it is quite common, and as surprising the people who are often doing the misattributing

I agree that the 4 berry mules are not as rare as people may think, but are still a well collected variety. The 5 berry mule is extremely rare Saying that a lot of mules seem to recycle, it is surprising how the same examples appear and re-appear!!

Yup

Lot 1815 - Approx 3 known

Yes I would definitely agree, but at least they have cast some doubt over the "proof" status of this one

I think the problem is that I would not be willing to pay that much of a premium for what could have been a bad day making proofs at the mint, whilst it may also realistically just be an early strike of a currency example. If I am to convince myself I have bought a proof and the premium that they command, I expect its classification to be undeniable...like the specimen above.

I often find the same with many farthings that are described as proofs, yet I have difficulty accepting a majority as such. They may be specimens or coins struck specially for a specific reason, or even just early strikings in come cases, but I just can not accept them as proofs. When compared against known proof years (where sets were issued for example) there are very clear differences.

Also worth noting that both design types (incuse/raised curls) can be found with the incuse dot on drapery

I will get a better picture on it!

I don't see an issue with much of what you are claiming to be issues, which are views that I have heard repeatedly......but I suppose that is the joy of personal opinion. Travelling outside of Europe is not much different than travelling within it, unless you are going on an unplanned tour of the continent and hopping between countries. I could still get a job in a majority of countries outside the EU as long as I had a benefit to offer to them, and I am not sure I would want to go to those that did not want me. There are plenty of people who have moved to New Zealand, Australia and the USA and quite happily survive there, because they have something to offer to their new host nation. I recently went to the US and it was logistically no worse than travelling to Europe, I had to do some online form filling, but it was hardly an obstacle that ruined the experience. Low cost phone roaming is also a myth, I used the same arrangements I had here whilst in the US without any additional charges including unlimited data..... The employee benefits also really frustrate me when put forward as a European policy. Regardless of whether we would have been in the EU as a modern civilised society, changes in culture and moral views have inevitably changed with time, and as a result the accompanying legislation would also have changed and evolved. If the church can slowly progress against its underlying values and historical beliefs, I am sure even our governments would have established a very similar stance regarding paternity leave, working directives etc. I am a firm believer of a capitalistic society, and the principles on which it is founded, but even I have issues with the direction globalisation is currently taking us, by creating an abundance of "digital" wealth, and money is the primary focus behind a vast majority of our daily decisions....it is quite worrying!! At what point does money become more of a priority than our morals/beliefs. It is quite fascinating how strong peoples views are on this subject, and I have always been firmly in the "leave" camp, but as I do in everyday life I always try to listen to the views of those encouraging us to remain with the hope I could make a logical decision if someone did convince me...but nothing has even come close yet...... And as for the Brits in Spain and other countries (of which my parents are 2)...they chose to leave this country and as a result their concerns are not my concerns...I am concerned about the country in which I reside..they can worry about where they choose to reside.

Justifying two lots of bureaucrats by saying we will be stuck with one is hardly a strong argument

I can't add any information, but it is quite a collection

Believe it or not I am tempted...I do like trying to get a lot from such a collection

I have always liked this format, it can be a bit more drawn out, but I agree it is nice to have time to think and reflect and prioritise. It would be interesting to see which method realises the most for the vendor, but I suppose that could never be truly established.

I agree I would happily purchase some farthing varieties at CGS valuation prices all day long and then others are way OTT. It is a case of experience and research with a hint of price guide applied

I have no doubt it will all depend on the price , I don't think piedforts are necessarily any more difficult to sell than any other silver proof coins.

Just search evasion farthings or colonial farthings as well, it is a period that was rife with counterfeits, but unless the coin in question was tin or some other base metal combination it would not really make much logical sense

I would have possible guessed at it being a counterfeit farthing, but the silver aspect makes that highly unlikely....definitely silver? However I am also sure I have seen a farthing token with a similar bust on it...but it escapes me at the moment.

Looks like I got off lightly

Oh great

Bizarrely it is my other half who has a fascination with these.....she is like a Magpie

Go on then Pete if you still have them I will take them

A good way is to get an old torch reflector and put the coin inside, the edge will then appear reflected, and can easily be photographed to allow you to count them on an image.