Leo

I have a question that one of you may be able to answer. In the last minute I put a bid on a coin that I had in my cabinet (not through live bidding though), and the final hammer price happened to be that same amount. I have not received any notification; should I assume that I have not won the coin because somebody else bid the same amount but earlier?

5 pesetas. Cayón 17503, 1875 Madrid DEM 18*75

I hope they improve their photograhs, they are not very good. Look at DNW's!

R is for Rex M (I suppose with a little o above) is for the Mexico mint. F.M. are the assayer's initials, active in the Mexico mint at that time. What specific year is it?

Welcome to the forum! It's a nice coin that one you've posted. Not very common to see a bi-metallic combination of copper + brass (typically they are nickel + brass, like our £2 or €1) Also the design of the lion is a clever use of the bimetallic feature. Still my favourite is the Italian €1!

Lot 2469 of this upcoming LCA auction is in EF and estimated at £225-275. Better than the one in your photo but really can't tell, the edges are very good but the photo is taken at an angle probably to not to show the wear. If the coin is VF it could drop to £50. I would study as many past prices and qualities as you can and then go and see the coin in hand. Having said that, a cartwheel penny is one of the British coins with the most historical significance, if not the most, so highly desirable in my opinion and will always be easy to sell. Take an informed guess and go for it!

Too many coins and little time to put it all together! How much staff do they have, does anybody know?

He is also the author of the 6 and 3 pence reverses with the oak leaves and acorns, which I think are genius!

Or the wreath crown of your avatar as well

I agree, it's an infantile design. It will be superseded in a year or so. A far cry from the intricate, beautiful designs of the pre-decimal issues, designed to last decades. The last florin comes to mind.

Of course, thanks

Would you bid on a lot without seeing it, and without photograph? Based solely on description. Small thing, under £100

I went last year. Like you, I enjoyed the exhibition a lot, but the 'experience' bit left me a bit cold. Perhaps due to the fact that it was one of the first weeks after opening and there were issues to iron out - the striking machine stopped working and the guide was a student who didn't know much about coin minting... Still, a lovely place

This is mad. Faking a circulated coin, can only be done maliciously to sell to beginner collectors for a low price, who wouldn't even entertain the idea that somebady faked that.

I think eBay is very risky and I wouldn't bid for any coin bigger than £100 unless it's from a professional dealer. Feedback can be faked too. I would shop in auctions listed on sixbid instead. Incidentally are the lines the result of cleaning, or roller marks?

A very very common one, in full bloom

I know! That's why I resucitated this thread!

Do you think that the scattered dents in this florin are the result of flan impurities, or is it more likely to be mechanical abrasion? (a cart having run over it) Either way it certainly detracts

If anybody is interested, Catawiki are looking for an expert on English coinage to oversee their auctions. Job offer

They're lovely

Absolutely. I prefer to spend 200 in an awesome UNC 1902 shilling than in a poor 1905. A beautiful coin will always be sought after, but an ugly (but rare) one will only be interesting to completist collectors which are far less now than they used to. The question remains of course if an UNC 1905 is a good investment - who is going to want this coin in the future?

I wonder, in a few years time, who is going to buy back this stuff, and at what price.

Absolutely - I took your note about the valuation, I'm going to look for someone in the area.

Do you have your collection insured? A year ago I wouldn't have given a damm but recently my auntie got burgled and I'm really paranoid about this sort of stuff!

I kick myself for not asking for receipts of many coins I have purchased in shops, fairs etc. as these easily account for half of my coin money. I'm thinking maybe it's the moment now to carry out a proper valuation, put an overall figure, insure it, and from there on maintain proper records as you point out. I guess my fear is that after all this trouble, I get burgled eventually and my insurer doesn't accept my claim because the valuation is three years old. Thanks again for your help.