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I attended a local antique fair today, in my weekly hunt for coins. I made a few purchases and made my way to my car. Standing at the bus stop, I recognised a gentleman, who had rented a table at the fair, to sell some banknotes and coins. Knowing that he stayed in the same town as me, I put down my window and offered him a lift home, which he accepted. After a half hour drive, I stopped near his house and let him out. He offered me some money for petrol, which I refused. He insisted, and after rummaging about in his pocket, placed 4 young head Victorian farthings on my dashboard ! My question is.......Am I the last man in Britain, to be paid in Victorian currency, for a job !!!

Better than present day money.

This is one area where provenance can relax you somewhat. If you can identify a coin with provenance that has images, it would be almost impossible to match the coin including toning, surface marks etc. There seem to be specific coins that have been targeted to date, it is not a common issue that affects all denominations/dates and therefore is not a substantial issue...yet

1949 3d has given you the best advice.I have great hiding places for my coins and a safe.What more do you need?

Bit of news, Baldwins and St James auctions are merging. New joint venture named Baldwins of St. James. First auction will be in February.

A few years ago, I collected British military medals. I went off them overnight, when I found out forgers were replicating certain medals, using original machinery that had been sold off years before. The forgers used British military records to correctly name recipients on the outer rims of the medals. I was once shown 4 general service medals for Northern Ireland. They were all inscribed to the same soldier!! Same regiment. Same service number. I started collecting coins, thinking they were a safer bet, Lol

What does the edge of a typical 1804 bank dollar looks like? Flat or slightly rounded – and are traces of the original Spanish-American edge design often or rarely visible? Two of my counterfeit BoE dollars. The left one with a rounded trapezoid shaped edge, and the one on the right almost flat.

My first acquisition of 2017 - and probably my last for a few months as it's cleaned me out post Christmas - is an 1862 F41, from halfpenny dies. Bought Colin Cooke, ex Andy Scott. Straight fine with all major details intact. Been trying to a reasonable specimen for years. Finally succeeded. Most of the others I've seen on offer have been washers or not much better.

It was easier in Freemans day , no on line flak then

I'll let you know of anything interesting when it arrives.