Magpike

How many chavs do you know who would have the slightest interest in, let alone own a proof set copper123?

Thank you all for your advice - much appreciated. I think the superb condition of my new coin has caused me some concern. Not that it is worth a large amount of money, just that I am used to everything I buy being repaired, improved or at the very least preserved in condition whilst in my ownership. The lady I bought from is very unlikely to have fingers like mine that due to DIY projects, car maintenance, gardening etc are often coated in contaminants. I will try to forget the handling for ebay photographs and make sure the coin is well cared for in the future

With regards specifically to the matt proof crown I would want to be as gentle as possible without taking any risk. As pointed out the coin has been handled without gloves. Would acetone be too much in the circumstances? Do you think I could get away with gently rubbing the coin with a spectacle cloth for example. Even water can have a PH value that could initiate corrosion. Sorry for the questions - just want to do the best by this fantastic coin.

Yes, that's what I had hoped Rob - a sticky, FAQ or similar but couldn't find that and looked through a number of posts on the beginner forum before starting my thread. Please feel free to point me in the right direction.

Hi New to serious coin collecting and a recent purchase requires some advice please. 1) A proof silver crown has been handled without gloves by the person I purchased from. Is there any way to sanitise the coin where skin oils may have been deposited? 2) I think I really need to buy cotton gloves to handle this sort of coin - is there a preferred supplier or will any pure cotton gloves without medicinal additives, etc be OK for this job? 3) Would like to access my coins regularly but assume that the usual plastic wallets with a piece of paper enclosed detailing the coin are not appropriate for storage? I like the look of the lighthouse coins capsules but would appreciate your recommendations.

Thanks for the replies and appreciate comments made about fingerprints. As a novice coin collector, not used to owning such high quality and vulnerable coins, will start another thread on the beginners section asking basic advice.

I think I have my matt proof 1902 crown...................... http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Edward-VII-1902-Crown-GEF-/132067040816?hash=item1ebfcf1e30:g:5twAAOSwnHZYfj23 I hope others and in particular Paulus agree?

Thanks for confirming that Paulus and no offence meant John. You are obviously an expert in this matter and your collection has a high number of matt silver coins. There were over a quarter of a milllion 1902 crowns minted and only 15000 matt/matte versions. How does one tell a matt coin from standard, particularly where there is wear/toning? Is there a difference between satin and matt? Apologies for the silly questions but google is not throwing its normal array of answers when I search.

Yes amused me as well I have thousands of pre 1920 silver coins and so many variations of toning. The shine always permeates, no matter how dark the toning. My coin has no shine.

Nice coin Paulus - will look on your website later to try and pick out the detail. Take a look at this one..................... http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1902-Proof-Crown-/350635746021?_trksid=p2141725.m3641.l6368 Do you agree with the matt proof description?

Hi Vicky That one no but I think this one I bought has matte finish........................ http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/ANTIQUE-SILVER-CROWN-COIN-1902-RARE-DATE-FINE-COIN-/192031723613?nma=true&si=1MdTP2eEexVfxpTflp0olAirPMA%253D&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2557 Would be interested to know how to accurately judge whether a crown has a satin or matte finish.

Thank you for the replies I am no coin buying expert and will be looking to buy coins like these direct from dealers/auctions if I can. At the moment, given my knowledge I have concentrated on a few coins I feel I know quite well and mainly buying from reputable IDs off ebay, mostly dealers. Looking to gain knowledge on this forum, particularly where to buy at this stage. I have 14 of these 1902 crowns - love the coin. This coin is actually very attractive, well to me anyway - it is a circulated example, so far from perfect. I like dark toning on silver coins although most of my silver crowns have little or no toning. The coin appears genuine but having compared the weight with that of all the other crowns it is 0.15 grams light. If it is a fake it is a very good one but paid too much so would return. Anyone aware of quality fake 1902 crowns.

Hi Recently purchased this 1902 Crown and slightly worried about its authenticity - would appreciate your thoughts http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/381865733309 Nothing obvious regarding detail when compared to other 1902 crowns but toning dark and uniform which is unusual. The biggest issue is weight - I would expect this coin to weight around 28.24 grams but it weighs 28.09 grams, less than other 1902 crowns in my collection with more wear.