jelida

Perhaps, but at least that would explain why it was done at all, for a purpose rather than pointlessly messing around with dangerously strong acids. A coin would be the most accessible source of metallic copper in the home, and electrical tape is waterproof and would certainly have made an adequate temporary connection; the electrolyte would have been easily available dilute cooking citric acid,vinegar or similar, and I think the area under the tape where there is darker linear pitting would suggest the wire contact point that would have reacted more aggressively when electrolyte did seep under the tape around the wire. I used to clean encrusted estuary found Roman coins by this very technique using my old Triang train controller for variable 12v and stainless steel electrode and crocodile clip, worked a treat! Jerry

I know this is a bit lateral but do you think it might have been used in electrolysis, as an anode or cathode for copper plating? the tape would have been used to hold the end of a wire against the coin, and where the coin was exposed to electrolyte, metal would have gone into solution. This might be a neat explanation. Any scientists out there? Jerry

Too small to have been a rein guide then. Looks to have some age though, and there must be many uses of a small fixed loop on a harness or strap, or even part of the handle for a small casket.

How big is it George? Try using a ruler or coin in the photo to give an idea of scale. First impression is that its a bit too small for a terret, they are usually a couple of inches in diameter, and it looks like it was held on to something fairly thin like leather. Jerry

Very nice! Is there a specialist publication for the Vikkie coppers other than Peck and Spink? Is Bramagh too dated? Jerry

Thanks Richard, will have a look. Jerry

Nice! Looks like my wife. The one with the champagne, that is. Jerry

Most of us, and certainly the major texts, would consider a valid variety to be a reflection of the design (including possible errors) punched/engraved on the die, rather than subsequent die wear or impairment due to accumulated crud. However there are a few notable exceptions such as the ONF penny which seem to have developed a following. Otherwise striking errors are considered more of an interesting curiosity than true variety, though they do have specialist collectors. Clearly, but rarely, things can change. In the case of your penny, if it could be positively demonstrated that the Royal Mint (or Heaton) did produce a small run of intentionally 'no H' pennies, then an altogether different view might be taken. It certainly is unusual for the H to be totally absent, so enjoy the coin for itself and the debate it can generate. Jerry

What you did was perfectly fair, Matt, let the bidder decide for himself based on the photo. I was watching this, being unsure, but after comparing it with better examples decided not to bid. Others felt it a risk worth taking, and there is clearly an element of uncertainty even with it in the hand. Jerry

I'm not sure I'd attempt a positive id on either of the last two objects from the pics, really not enough evidence as to function; in fact I don't think either would have got beyond my scrap metal bucket (surprising how much I get from the scrappie every few years). Here are a couple of my Roman Fibulae over the last couple of years.

I think in a ridiculously overembellished way they are trying to sell the coin shown in the body of the ad, which looks OK, rather than the ghastly replica illustrated. Why all the c**p about the secure storage? And every genuine coin is apparently 'microscopically laser marked' for heavens sake, anybody ever hear of that? Jerry

You wont have any dosh left for the LCA then, Pete............. Lovely coin, just as good in the hand, or at least slab. I was very tempted by the 1919kn at the Midland, had it out of the case three times, but eventually felt the spot on the reverse was just too offputting, and in a way it was 'too' clean and shiny compared to the other lustrous coins around it; not entirely logical I accept , but I decided to keep my powder dry; a phrase the meaning of which has rather migrated for the younger generation. Sniff. Sniff. Jerry

The coins you're buying, it'll be me stalking you! That coin is a stunner, if you paid less than Ian was asking, I dont think you overpaid. Jerry

Is that the 1913 you were looking at from Ian? Lovely coin, I'm not surprised you went back for it. Jerry

I had a good pore over these at the Midland on Sunday, but couldn't quite persuade myself to take the plunge. The 1919 apparently was sourced from France, the 1926 was from the last LCA of course. Jerry

Brings back so many memories. So sad, the premature loss of a creative genius. I'll be dusting off the vinyl today as well. Jerry

Hi Prax, great to hear from you, and that is a lovely penny, I'm still after a decent one of those. I don't know if you come to any of the South Wales and Mon Numismatic Soc meetings, but I an giving a short presentation on the Victorian bronze pennies at the Feb meeting, might be quite local to you, nothing new or earth shattering, they are just desperate for speakers and I got volunteered. Will try to bore them with micro varieties. Jerry

Looks likely, George. Like the crotal bell. They are very scarce on our side of the Severn. I have I think two from my 30 years hunting. Jerry

The second coin is a 1580 sixpence of Eliz I, mm long cross. Jerry

Very nice, I've only ever found one of those.

Nice thimbles, I would place them both late C18 to early C19. The left hand one is quite unusual. Jerry

I vaguely remember something like this as a kid, a big loop of string was passed through the two holes, held by a finger at each end. It was spun, and by alternately stretching and slackening the cord, it could be made to spin first one way, then the other, emitting a whistling noise when rotating. I cant remember if mine was lead, but it did need to be fairly heavy material to provide momentum. Had my first hammies of the year today, a very worn Lizzie halfgroat and an early C17 copper farthing. Jerry

Another offering from Shelly; http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1874H-QUEEN-VICTORIA-PENNY-FREENAN-69-OBV-6-REV-I-R16-RARER-THEN-GOLD-EF-/301840907471?hash=item46471ebccf:g:RWoAAOSwa-dWi-3V not F69 sadly; in fact if you look at the other listings, many are self-slabbed with gross over-grading , several mis-identified and all over-priced. Not a good advertisment. Jerry

Good id George, probably quite a rare button ; there will be local collectors out there. Jerry