Getting back into collecting

[Peckris 579]

Hi guys, I have been trying to learn how to grade and value coins and wanted to see how far off I am on a coin I was looking at:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1862-Queen-Victoria-Penny-/191292416641?pt=UK_Coins_BritishMilled_RL&hash=item2c89eaa281

I am thinking this coin is in GVF condition in which case its value is about £25-30?

Thanks for any help.

Yes, I'd say your grading is pretty good. The reverse is not far off EF, and your valuation takes into account that it's quite a common penny. It's POSSIBLY been cleaned at some point, but it may just be the photo.

[declanwmagee 122]

Hmmm, doesn't look right, Rob. Wait for one with a more convincing colour, I'd say.

[RobAI 0]

Hi guys, I have been trying to learn how to grade and value coins and wanted to see how far off I am on a coin I was looking at:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1862-Queen-Victoria-Penny-/191292416641?pt=UK_Coins_BritishMilled_RL&hash=item2c89eaa281

I am thinking this coin is in GVF condition in which case its value is about £25-30?

Thanks for any help.

Yes, I'd say your grading is pretty good. The reverse is not far off EF, and your valuation takes into account that it's quite a common penny. It's POSSIBLY been cleaned at some point, but it may just be the photo.

Thanks, good to know I am on the right lines. I bought Derek Allen's Grading British Coins e-book which is a great reference, so thanks to TomGoodheart for the recommendation. I'm still not sure on how to spot whether a coin has been cleaned and I don't know how to tell apart types of non-grading damage.

[RobAI 0]

Hmmm, doesn't look right, Rob. Wait for one with a more convincing colour, I'd say.

It was more to check that I am grading properly. I'm trying to find pennies in EF condition at a decent price. But thanks for the warning about the colour; I can't tell yet whether an odd shade is from the metal composition or having been cleaned.

[Peckris 579]

Hmmm, doesn't look right, Rob. Wait for one with a more convincing colour, I'd say.

It was more to check that I am grading properly. I'm trying to find pennies in EF condition at a decent price. But thanks for the warning about the colour; I can't tell yet whether an odd shade is from the metal composition or having been cleaned.

You're not alone there. Many of us would be hard pushed to tell with that particular coin or one like it. Copper and bronze is an absolute b****** for differing colourations. Often you'd need to see it in hand. Check the seller has a 'Returns' policy before jumping in.