jelida

Obverse 6, reverse G, one of the commonest varieties. To be fair to him, I see that he did re-list it correctly this morning, good man. We do all make mistakes, perhaps it was inadvertant. Jerry

I'm sure many of the coins are fine, and he does start them cheaply. I can only comment on the pennies here, but since xmas he has (presumably inadvertently) on a number of occasions misattributed Victorian pennies, identifying mundane coins as excessively rare Freeman varieties , I have yet to see him do the opposite but do check his coins as presumably he will get it wrong in the other direction eventually! This coin was the latest example, but I see he has cancelled the auction today, perhaps it will be relisted correctly described. Or am I 'ever the optomist?' Jerry

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Penny-1861-Freeman-28-dies-5-G-Very-Rare-rated-R18-by-Freeman-/331634213605?hash=item4d36f082e5 Ever the optomist! Usually wrong. Jerry

I signed up to vote for him! Not that I'd consider myself a natural Labour supporter, but I do love that joe public can have a say in who leads a party that might one day influence our lives....or indeed make it unelectable. I think it is a wonderful exercise in democracy, but a stupid idea. Now for the flak......... Jerry

They all look as fake as fudge to me. And yet.. people are bidding. I would agree. There are quite a few Anglo-Saxon Northumbrian appearing on Ebay lately just as pristine and definitely cast copies. They went for £848.........madness, some people should not be trusted with money! Jerry

Hurrah!

Aha, found where you got it, and he took your best offer! I'm glad you got a bargain from this seller, he's usually extortionately priced, as this one would have been were it a normal '62. Well done indeed, get some proper close-ups when it arrives, my own feeling is that it has to be a repair, rather than an error elsewhere in the die production chain, though that may be impossible to prove. Jerry

Excessively rare, perhaps unique! I agree it does not look like a repair, but if not there would have to have been an erroneous puncheon, from which the die was made, and before that an erroneous master, how likely is that? Is this coin yours? If so, can you get microscope close-ups? (I am assuming that it is not photoshopped) What a super find! Jerry

Thanks Mr T, that's one I'm keeping for reference! Jerry

Hi bhx and welcome to the forum. What you have behind the bust on the second coin is the result of a die clash , where a reverse die has caused indentation of the obverse die, this then showing on coins struck therafter. The pattern is due to an impression of part of Britannia's dress. These die clashes are quite commonly seen, and dont alter the value of the coin. Date spacing of the final digit is quite variable as they were entered by hand. Some collectors do try to acquire examples of the extreme variations, but again the prices are not usually any different. Jerry

Superb explanation, and I second Peters expression of thanks; I refer to your books (I have the earliest and two later editions) almost every day. Jerry

Thanks Bernie, fascinating, never knew that, now I'm going to have to look for Reverse d varieties! At least not too expensive. I've got a long way to go to be a 'real' Penny expert. Jerry

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Lot-of-7-Ancient-Coins-Wessex-Alfred-the-Great-Danish-Northumbria-Siefred-/191654064744?hash=item2c9f78f268 Complete with provenance, so must be good! Jerry

Thanks, Bernie. Out of interest, the reverse die used on this coin is extremely worn, with little fine detail remaining, as was one shown by Dave (Azda) on this forum several years ago. I wonder whether the die was declared 'unfit for purpose' fairly early in its use in this pairing, hence the rarity? Have any members seen this combination with a 'crisp' reverse die? Jerry

Within the last couple of weeks, but from overseas. Jerry

I put the wrong obverse on! What an a*se I am, in a hurry to get to Quiz night at the pub! (did awfully). Anyhow, lets try again. F21 I hope this time; Jerry

Though I agree doesnt show on the scan, strangely! Will post a pic in a mo.

Not obverse 6, has L C Wyon on bust; better look again! Obverse 3 Rev D Jerry

Hi all, two new Ebay purchases in the post this morning for your delectation (or otherwise); Firstly a rather nice 1867 with plenty of lustre, very nice in the hand. £130 And secondly, I hope, an F21 1861 penny. Somebody else rated it too, as it shot up from twenty quid to £410 in the final seconds. R18 in Freeman. Jerry PS looking forward to the 'Midland' on Sunday

Hi Pete, We will really need a good photo, to give us clues to why the word is missing. If due to wear and damage since leaving the mint, it will have no extra value. If it is a genuine coin but impaired as a result of faulty manufacture, it may be worth a few extra pounds. Jerry

From my personal finds, and those of club members, I would say that metal-detected sovereigns and half sovereigns occur in roughly equal numbers, which should reflect usage in the pocket (or purse). Jerry

I would be interested if still available, will send a pm. Jerry

I'm really sorry to hear that, Peter, I hope she makes a speedy recovery and comes home soon, but if they feel she needs observation then the advice must be taken. I'm sure normality will be resumed shortly, keep your spirits up. Jerry

Wow, what a wonderful colour! One to forever cherish. Jerry

And a cracking price too! ? Jerry