My Pennies and Freemans numbers

[azda 979]

As you've seen am on my way into the penny collecting, i've started an Excel sheet with grades, price paid and spink numbers and so on, so my next column i would like Freeman numbers. If i take some more pictures of my coins and list them here, could you gents be good enough to help me with the Freeman numbers?

I'll start next week and list maybe 5 at a time as they are in the bank vault and have no time to go and pull them all out the now.

Thanks

Dave (azda)

[Red Riley 2]

As you've seen am on my way into the penny collecting, i've started an Excel sheet with grades, price paid and spink numbers and so on, so my next column i would like Freeman numbers. If i take some more pictures of my coins and list them here, could you gents be good enough to help me with the Freeman numbers?

I'll start next week and list maybe 5 at a time as they are in the bank vault and have no time to go and pull them all out the now.

Thanks

Dave (azda)

Of course Dave, no problem. You may however find it easier to forego a week's coin purchases and buy Michael Gouby's 'The British Bronze Penny 1860 to 1970'. Due to it's arrangement, I actually find this easier than Michael Freeman's own book, and 'F' numbers are included. Can't remember how much it is, but probably no more than an AU Edward VII penny!

[argentumandcoins 70]

As you've seen am on my way into the penny collecting, i've started an Excel sheet with grades, price paid and spink numbers and so on, so my next column i would like Freeman numbers. If i take some more pictures of my coins and list them here, could you gents be good enough to help me with the Freeman numbers?

I'll start next week and list maybe 5 at a time as they are in the bank vault and have no time to go and pull them all out the now.

Thanks

Dave (azda)

Of course Dave, no problem. You may however find it easier to forego a week's coin purchases and buy Michael Gouby's 'The British Bronze Penny 1860 to 1970'. Due to it's arrangement, I actually find this easier than Michael Freeman's own book, and 'F' numbers are included. Can't remember how much it is, but probably no more than an AU Edward VII penny!

£20 from Michaels website. The new specialised edition for Viccy Pennies is £50 and well worth the money.

[£400 for a Penny ? 0]

Any idea what a mint revised edition of Freeman (1985) might be worth ?

[argentumandcoins 70]

Any idea what a mint revised edition of Freeman (1985) might be worth ?

A lot less than it was before he sold the rights to Spink. I used to sell Freemans at £60+ depending on edition and condition.

I don't know if there will be specific collectors for "originals" or if it would only appeal to coin collectors after an identification guide.

[£400 for a Penny ? 0]

Bit off topic, for which apologies, but do you think that's likely to happen with Dalton and Hamer ?

In other words, should I cash in now ?

[argentumandcoins 70]

Bit off topic, for which apologies, but do you think that's likely to happen with Dalton and Hamer ?

In other words, should I cash in now ?

I couldn't answer that one.

Re-prints depend on many factors, the prime one being supply and demand. Freeman was always highly sought after. I suspect if he had solely studied Pennies it wouldn't have been reprinted as Gouby is a much better reference tool. If somebody ever bothers to write up to date works on halfpennies and farthings (there's a job for Derek instead of becoming a dealer) I think Spinks will struggle to sell any copies,

As for your books; If you use them, definitely not. If you don't they're just a coin or two waiting to happen

John.

[1949threepence 3,367]

Good topic.

I'd love a copy of Freeman, but they're so damned expensive.

[£400 for a Penny ? 0]

I found mine (2nd edition) in mint condition in a second hand bookshop in Lewes.

£2.50

I then bowled down the (considerable) hill to the Harveys brewery, chuckling all the way and celebrated with 3 pints of Armada piped straight from the vat.

It was how days out are supposed to be.

[1949threepence 3,367]

I found mine (2nd edition) in mint condition in a second hand bookshop in Lewes.

£2.50

I then bowled down the (considerable) hill to the Harveys brewery, chuckling all the way and celebrated with 3 pints of Armada piped straight from the vat.

It was how days out are supposed to be.

£2.50 for a Freeman. That's what good days are all about

Actually your stroke of good fortune prompted me to look on Amazon, just on the off chance, and I found one, apparently "like new", for just £19.95, from a UK based source. So I've ordered it. Bit more expensive than yours, but still pretty good value.

here it is

Edited July 10, 2010 by 1949threepence

[1949threepence 3,367]

Any idea what a mint revised edition of Freeman (1985) might be worth ?

£154.95 from Amazon

Couldn't find anywhere else, including e bay.

[argentumandcoins 70]

I would guess they were either listed in the good old days (when they were worth good money) or have been listed by the sort of sellers that think an "old coin" is a 1967 penny and worth an opening bid of 4.99.

It is essentially outdated now that the re-print has Michael Goubys revised prices. As I said earlier, Michaels latest work is much easier to use and contains many more varieties than were known at the time of Freemans ground breaking work.

Purely my own opinions of course

[Bronze & Copper Collector 412]

Spink reprinted essentially reprinted the 1986 edition in 2006 with some updates by Michael Gouby.... their price is £35.00 ....

Link to Spink page with description of book

[Bronze & Copper Collector 412]

Be aware however, that there have been MANY new discoveries since Freeman was published, and they are not included in the catalog.... This applies to ALL denominations....

The Michael Gouby work has taken the penny varieties to a new level.... His standard reference covers from 1860-1970, the new specialized edition just covers the Victorian years of bronze pennies from 1860-1901...

Link to Michael Gouby's Book page

He also has the Freeman Reprint for sale on the same page......

[azda 979]

The link only takes you to a page where he describes the book. I've looked and looked and can't find an actual link to actually buy it. Anyone else?

[argentumandcoins 70]

The link only takes you to a page where he describes the book. I've looked and looked and can't find an actual link to actually buy it. Anyone else?

Dave,

You will have to phone or email Michael as he has no shopping cart facility on his site.

John.

[Bronze & Copper Collector 412]

The link only takes you to a page where he describes the book. I've looked and looked and can't find an actual link to actually buy it. Anyone else?

Contact information is on his home page...

Michael Gouby Coins Home page

(() Telephone

National: 020 7727 1518

International: +4420 7727 1518

Email: michael@michael-coins.co.uk

His email address: michael@michael-coins.co.uk

[azda 979]

Geez a shopping cart is a tad helpful when selling anything usually. Do you have to phone or email for anything you want to buy? I get free calls to Europe so its no big deal, but surely as a dealer and book writer, you should be able to click a button and order what you like. Its the 21st Century, the digital age etc etc etc

Edited July 10, 2010 by azda

[argentumandcoins 70]

Geez a shopping cart is a tad helpful when selling anything usually. Do you have to phone or email for anything you want to buy? I get free calls to Europe so its no big deal, but surely as a dealer and book writer, you should be able to click a button and order what you like. Its the 21st Century, the digital age etc etc etc

He's old school Dave

Plus he has a large reputation, a walk-in shop in London and consults for some of the leading London auction houses, Mohammed and mountains!!!!

[Peckris 579]

I actually bought my first edition of Freeman new in the late 70s. This is one case where first editions are rubbish, or so I've been told. Though atually I've found it one major useful reference book over the years.

[RLC35 288]

I think Michael Gouby's main interest is the "Brick & Morter" of his coin establishment. He does have the ability to reserve, and sell coins to collector's oversea's, but that is not his main thrust. At least that is what I get from corresponding with him, and buying from him. He has the ability to accept PayPal, etc. also. He seems to have a great reputation everywhere!

I have his new "Bronze" Book, and believe me, it is a Classic!

[davidrj 194]

I actually bought my first edition of Freeman new in the late 70s. This is one case where first editions are rubbish, or so I've been told. Though atually I've found it one major useful reference book over the years.

I still have my copy of Freeman's "Victorian Bronze Penny",and find the figures for the number of actual coins he had examined of each variety fascinating; somehow more relevant than "rarity ratings". I also have the first edition of his later volume.

The descriptions and photos in Michael Gouby's books are much easier to use in my opinion, his new specialized edition is superb

David

[azda 979]

Looks like i'm going to have to invest in his book then

[1949threepence 3,367]

Looks like i'm going to have to invest in his book then

Based on those recommendations, looks like we'll have to buy Gouby as well. No doubt about it.

It appears that both books have their respective strengths.

[azda 979]

Looks like i'm going to have to invest in his book then

Based on those recommendations, looks like we'll have to buy Gouby as well. No doubt about it.

It appears that both books have their respective strengths.

I have the Freemans but will get the updated version of Goubys that way i should be good to go for the Pennies