Advice Please - New Collector

[The Future]

Hello everyone.

Another new collector here.

I started collecting about 6 months ago after being given a couple of George IV crowns. I'm in interested in collecting pre decimal British milled coins Charles II onwards.

So far, I've been buying on Ebay. At the moment I'm not spending that much, the highest value coin I've bought so far is £40. Is Ebay the best place to buy at this price range? What are the alternatives?

Also, I have a 1935 crown (common I know). However, it has a much darker tone to the one's I see on Ebay. I do not think its a proof because it has an incuse edge. How did it get this dark tone?

It actually looks identical to that one that will not sell at £4,500 - formally owned by Duke of Windsor.

Thanks

[Peckris]

Hello everyone.

Another new collector here.

I started collecting about 6 months ago after being given a couple of George IV crowns. I'm in interested in collecting pre decimal British milled coins Charles II onwards.

So far, I've been buying on Ebay. At the moment I'm not spending that much, the highest value coin I've bought so far is £40. Is Ebay the best place to buy at this price range? What are the alternatives?

Also, I have a 1935 crown (common I know). However, it has a much darker tone to the one's I see on Ebay. I do not think its a proof because it has an incuse edge. How did it get this dark tone?

It actually looks identical to that one that will not sell at £4,500 - formally owned by Duke of Windsor.

Thanks

Hi Newbie - Welcome to the forums (Do you think you might want a different username if you're going to be here again in the future?)

eBay is probably best for experienced collectors, as it's a bit of a minefield, and very many coins there are overgraded. What you could do is lurk and watch for a while - have a look at coins which don't attract a bid even after being up there for a while? Those are often overgraded. Have a look at coins which sell between £25 and £100 : look at the bid history; if there's at least one bid quite early, and lots later on, those are usually (but not invariably) reliable. Get a feel for it. There's lots of rubbish up there.

Alternatives include getting a copy of Coin and Banknote News (monthly) where most of the main dealers advertise; also there are many postal lists which can also be good, as long as they have a no-quibble return policy. There are many online sites, e.g. Colin Cooke, where coins have been sold for many years. There aren't too many coins on this site (currently) but those there are, are properly graded and priced.

Find a reputable dealer, someone who lives within fairly easy reach, and has a shop or where you can visit. Build a relationship. Gain knowledge. And Coin Fairs are also good - there several in London, The Midlands and the North, monthly fairs. Dealers will have a bit less time for you but you can pick up some bargains.

Any coin containing silver can tarnish. I had a 1937 florin that was almost black. Depends on storage and atmosphere. Put up pictures here if you'd like us to see it?

[The Future]

Thanks for the excellent reply, much appreciated.

"The Future" is just a username I use on other forums, I couldnt be bothered to think of anything relevant!

I attach the picture, sorry its poor, I had to get the file size down.

[Peckris]

Thanks for the excellent reply, much appreciated.

"The Future" is just a username I use on other forums, I couldnt be bothered to think of anything relevant!

I attach the picture, sorry its poor, I had to get the file size down.

Oh my stupid! I saw "Newbie" which is actually your status here, and thought it was your username!! (There's nothing wrong with "The Future" lol).

The colour of your crown is normal toning.

[Red Riley]

The colour of your crown is normal toning.

Don't know whether it's just me, but I actually like that kind of toning on a circulated coin. I would certainly rather have it than the flat dull appearance of a dipped piece.

[The Future]

Don't know whether it's just me, but I actually like that kind of toning on a circulated coin. I would certainly rather have it than the flat dull appearance of a dipped piece.

I agree, I also have the Edward VII 1902 crown with less toning and I think it looks a little bland in comparison.

[Peter]

Don't know whether it's just me, but I actually like that kind of toning on a circulated coin. I would certainly rather have it than the flat dull appearance of a dipped piece.

I agree, I also have the Edward VII 1902 crown with less toning and I think it looks a little bland in comparison.

1902 Crowns are quite rare....however crowns are not my first choice (they get a bit expensive before 1887)and between 1927-34....and a few varieties.Personally I prefer your 1902......but each to their own.

[Peckris]

Don't know whether it's just me, but I actually like that kind of toning on a circulated coin. I would certainly rather have it than the flat dull appearance of a dipped piece.

I agree, I also have the Edward VII 1902 crown with less toning and I think it looks a little bland in comparison.

1902 Crowns are quite rare....however crowns are not my first choice (they get a bit expensive before 1887)and between 1927-34....and a few varieties.Personally I prefer your 1902......but each to their own.

I have a genuinely BU (full lustre) 1902 crown - I didn't know they were rare?