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Although some consider that most of the 1935 pennies were mint darkened, the evidence shows that the normally lustred type form the great majority. So I was pleased to actually obtain a mint darkened specimen off e bay for the princely sum of just 20p !

I should point out that in some versions of this gag the Englishman is replaced by a Yorkshireman, resulting in one of my favourite punchlines "t' Pennines."

A German, an Italian, a Frenchman, and an Englishmen are debating philosophy. The question arises over the course of their debates: What Separates Man From The Animals? "Technology" says the German "Other creatures have tools, yet none can match the heights of engineering we have accomplished. It is our industry that separates us from the beasts". "I disagree" announces the Italian. "It is our food. The creatures of the wild eat, but they do not cook. Humans on the other hand, create amazing dishes and new combination that make eating a most enjoyable experience". "I say it's art" decides the Frenchman. "No other being can create art. From our earliest days we have painted, and now we sculpt, write and compose as well. The wild animals cannot ever know what it is like to cry over a beautiful piece of art". All three now look towards the Englishman, expecting his answer. He takes a long sip of tea before answering "The Channel".

All pictured on my varieties site.

Messrs Roettiers, Croker, Pistrucci etc. what say you?

Possibly. But my young nephew would be very upset if I brought him that coin instead of a toy he wanted.

"That's not fair! We weren't allowed to put our full names on our designs!"

DNW estimates for lots with a few pennies in seem to be in the "let's get your hopes up" range.

This was an interesting comment based on the recent DNW auction I was watching. It made me think more - what does the "Estimate" mean? I thought it was a best professional judgment on what the Lot would be worth, but is it now acting more as simply a reserve price for the auction house? Or is the recent "market" just overpaying? At what point would the market force the conclusion that these are simply under-estimates? (But if they up the auction, the minimum bid may deter bidders? I know I would not have considered the coin I was watching had the estimate been more correct). After a month of hopeful anticipation, and waking up at 5am with some coffee to watch the auction, having submitted a bid three times the estimate in hopes of easily winning, for a lot estimated around 100£...

Out of stock already. I'm tempted to buy up some sets for the other years with no currency 50 pences...if a few people go for it, it will be a self-fulfilling prophecy.

It is considering KB Coins have got a 1974 proof set on offer for just £15 !!!

However daft some of these 50p collectors may seem, chasing the 1974 50p for all its worth, it's still great news for the hobby of coin collecting.