Rostrum - Dubious attribution?

[rosecoins 0]

Hi

Am I allowed to discuss a specific item currently being offered in an auction ?

It's a Rostrum auction (NOT eBay) but the attribution looks a bit dodgy to me. I'd love to hear whether anyone else would agree or disagree.

If we're not allowed to discuss such things, I'll stop right here.

Rose

[Chris Perkins 228]

Of course you can Rose, as long as it's your factual opinion and not too nasty/libelous towards the seller....unless the seller's identity is well hidden, in which case you can probably be as frank as you like!

[rosecoins 0]

I've attached the picture from London Coins (1175) ....

Apparently it is E / A in both DEI and GVLIELMVS plus an inverted A.

Has anyone seen a clear inverted A? They always look like a clogged up V to me.

If this attribution is accurate, it has to be hugely desirable doesn't it ? I remain unconvinced

[Rob 3,152]

Not convinced from the image. I'd want to see it in the hand.

[azda 979]

It looks like a clogged die to me

[rosecoins 0]

If anyone has an example of a genuinely clear "inverted A for V" - I'd love to see a picture (any denomination coin), pleeaaase !

[TomGoodheart 403]

On the basis that the A in GRA is clear I'd be dubious. If I wanted an example of an inverted A I'd expect some sign that it is an A, and not something that has to be confirmed under a high powered microscope either!

[Rob 3,152]

If anyone has an example of a genuinely clear "inverted A for V" - I'd love to see a picture (any denomination coin), pleeaaase !

RLC35's thread earlier in this forum has an 1854 1/2d with one. Go to the forum and scroll down the first page.

[rosecoins 0]

Found it. Yup, that one is clear. No doubt about it.

It's a bit naughty though for serious auctioneers don't you think? On eBay it woyld be a different matter... almost the norm !!

[£400 for a Penny ? 0]

The printed catalogue landed on the 'mat yesterday.

I would say that judging by the lack of picture and the estimate (£50-£100), they are not that taken with it either.

I would definitely say it was a 'lob it in and see what happens' lot.

Naughty ?

I'm making the 'horse noise' here with my lips, no, I don't think so..

[scott 144]

clogged v to me... and that picture looks like a cast coin lol

[rosecoins 0]

I'll be watching with interest to see how much it makes. I bet some unsuspecting but expectant buyer will pay way over the odds for what is a fairly ordinary coin.

I must add though, I've used this auction company before and will use it again. They get some fantastic items - can be pricey but occasionally good value too !!

I do think they have a responsibility for accurate attribution tho.

[Gary 7]

clogged v to me... and that picture looks like a cast coin lol

Those were my thoughts as well Scott. I looked at it and although by no means an expert on shillings it did not look right. The legend is too bulky. I have an 1696 and an 1697 and the lettering seems to be much thinner. I know there are more than one obv types so maybe its just a different obv, like I said no expert!

[Rob 3,152]

clogged v to me... and that picture looks like a cast coin lol

Those were my thoughts as well Scott. I looked at it and although by no means an expert on shillings it did not look right. The legend is too bulky. I have an 1696 and an 1697 and the lettering seems to be much thinner. I know there are more than one obv types so maybe its just a different obv, like I said no expert!

There are so many dies in this recoinage that the thickness of the letters probably isn't an issue. It looks cast because it has pitting, but that could well be because it has been underground. The detail matches ok. The missing ties are not unknown in this period either.

The apparent E/A is seen on halfpennies where you frequently see a join between the middle and lower arms of the E. In fact the legend could be made using punches for this denomination. I think it probably is ok, but a weight would be useful. Anything around 5 grams would be dodgy, anything close to 6 ok. An enquiry as to the weight would probably clinch it. A quick comparison of a few pieces suggests the halfpenny punches are maybe 10% bigger in both directions.