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Cheers, Ian. I'm currently plotting my first dealer purchases in a (probably vain) attempt to keep myself outta the pub for a month by blowing the 'fun money' on coins. Ebay represents the chance for a 'play around' with little risk on the low - end stuff whilst getting a feel for 'market movements' in general, I suppose. The value of anything is, of course, what the market will bear - and as much as my little score might be pretty good, it's obvious that George VI coinage is, by and large, proportionately lagging behind the earlier stuff. So really, the question isn't 'what are they worth?' so much as 'why are they worth so little?' Frank

Here ya go, Ian: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Crown-Shillings-Sixpence-1946-/252226312833?_trksid=p2047675.l2557&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&nma=true&si=nXAT80FXvQ40Fnul2bhZ3hrT7dc%253D&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc

Well, it's hello from me and, as usual, in at the deep end. Having spent the last couple of months arseing around buying new (ish) silver proof & BUC nonsense, I've decided that I'd much rather have coins with history. Unfortunately for me, I know sod all about the older stuff, yet suffer from trigger - happy self confidence (delusional, of course) so I thought I'd better join up here to learn summat whilst giving you lot a good laugh at the trash I'll doubtless end up buying from 'the bay that is evil' and other, sundry charlatans. I think I shall mainly be going for half crowns - crowns (and probably everything else at some point - did I mention I'm trigger happy?) so any advice / guidance y'all can manage between sniggers would be greatly appreciated. Here's purchase #1, £16's worth of good, ole Victoriana. Or possibly, worthless old tat. You decide Regards, Frank

Hello, Stuntman, Happy new year! Yes, I understand The Midland Coin Fair is something of a must and I fully intend on going as soon as I can. I'm a complete 'noob', really - certainly in the pre - decimal field (unless we count the occasional 'find' of a pre '47 shilling or similar in my loose change as a lad), so my parameters for collecting are pretty open (for now!). That said, I think it may be wise to spend a little time at the lower end of the market (pricewise, rather than grade - wise) where mistakes may be easier to mitigate. I too am pretty pleased with that 1900 Vickie half crown, although even a few days in, I'm already thinking of a quick 'flip' in pursuit of a nicer grade. That aside, I've bagged the aforementioned 1887 H/C which, if anything like the shots I bought off, looks very decent & I've also taken more of a punt on a '28 George V for peanuts. I shall, of course, report back when they actually arrive! Both, however, I believe to be in much better material condition - watch this space! For now, I'm fixated on watching the shenanigans on ebay whilst trying (in vain) to lose the hangover. Even to these novice eyes, it appears much madness be afoot as fools seek to speedily part with their Chrimbo cash. Still, at least I know there seems to be a ready market for any mistakes I may need to recycle... Cynical? Moi? Frank

Hi, Ian / Nordle / Coinery, and thanks again to one and all for the warm welcome! First books ordered, 'lil more online research done, trigger finger not overly exercised (although a rather nice looking 1887 half crown may be inbound). Today, I plan mainly on attending to the 'debauchery' side of my interests, although I'm sure to be here tomorrow (c/w obligatory residual drunkenness and / or very sore head). Here's wishing you all a happy new year and, again, thanks for all the help & guidance thus far Frank

Alas, Paulus - I'm clinically incapable of 'slow', as my driving license and much else will attest! Still, it's one way of giving my liver the month off, I guess Yes, research is the key and I fully intend to use every available source as I learn. I'll also be taking a look at your own site, too - although I'm sure it will make me weep with desire and cause me to look scornfully at my small, slabbed, silver Brit collection. Rob: No worries, I see bank transfer is possible, so all is not lost! I'll likely confer with you either via your site or by PM here when I've given a lil' thought to what would be sensible (as opposed to skinting meself!).

Goddamnit, Paulus... Two minutes on that site & I've already mentally (in both possible senses!) spent the coming month's 'fun money'. Is this the same Rob who posted earlier in this thread? Think I may be paying him a visit over the next few days - do you happen to know whereabouts in Manch he's based?

Purdy coin, Paulus! Currently, there are two or three in appreciably poorer condition than 'mine' on ebay with higher starts than my 'win' bid, whereas something closer to your beauty would seem to be pegged around the £60 mark (as a 'buy it now' - none so good on open auction, it seems). Guess it'll take me a while to get used to the (to these novice eyes, at least) largish difference in value between F/VF to EF and above. Some pretty 'optimistic' grades on the 'bay as well, by the looks of things! I suspect that I shouldn't have too much difficulty flipping this for a small margin when the time comes to upgrade, though - which, knowing me, won't be long! Meanwhile, in lieu of books, I've sent myself square - eyed this evening searching for 'net - knowledge' before exercising that 'itchy finger' of mine again. Must get off my arse & go visit some actual, local dealers, too!

Thanks, Rob.

Thanks for the welcome, guys! Yes, Tom & Paulus - a piccie of the obverse would deffo help - here it is. Unfortunately, I don't have the coin in my possession yet, so these are the sellers pics (hadn't realised the obverse didn't appear in my first post due to image size limitations). Yes, agreed that books are a must - I'll check Chris's offerings, Nonmortuus. Also agree that it's likely that'll I'll buy more before my book - learnin' kicks in, too Whether I go for date - runs or types is largely a moveable feast right now, although I probably wont be going back in time any further than Victoria, at least for now, on cost grounds. Grading wise, I think that I probably need to learn 'the score' the hard way (and hopefully, with a little help from you guys too) - I guess thus far, I've bought on what looks good to me (I would've given this a 'fine+', so I'm a little off, it seems, but I'll get there!). Certainly, the intention is to buy the highest grades possible (preferably without breaking the bank!) although I'm sure there will be a few pitfalls / pratfalls along the way... Hadn't noticed that extra line above the 19, for instance, Tom. Regards, Frank