VickySilver

Ok, let me just start by saying that I am not able technically (old-fashioned me!) but perhaps someone can assist with possibly screenshooting some of the commentary where on Facebook there is a fellow on "Half crown Appreciation Society" group that somehow thinks he has a GENUINE 1952 Half crown. It is one of those knock-off poor copies not labelled as such with the atrocious bust of G6. The reverse is alright and the toning suspect but I could not believe some of the comments. Although it does make me wonder about the actual currency piece that Colin Cooke had for a bit and is written up still on his site. How in the world did it get out into circulation and even more strange how did it manage to be out in channels long enough to pick up that much wear and not be discovered; I also note that it does not appear to be a circulated proof or to be of any special manufacture.

Sometimes a bit of reverse psychology can work in one's favor with this grading business. The recent MDC Monaco sale featured TWO 1848/6 sixpences both graded by NGC. One was a "61", the other a "62" both relatively lower mint state grade coins. The latter appeared better, if one was a grader likely either a 63 or 64 and went for relatively cheap - about 1/3 the price of a similar coin sold raw about 3-4 years ago....So worked out nicely. Now only if I can get the 1848 6d WITHOUT overdate!

Interesting. I do find it amazing that somehow the Royal Mint let this currency piece out but with regards to the proof specimen how in the world did it let a designated VIP get out without saving an example for themselves, the Royals or the British Museum? So that was inexcusably careless on their part; I wonder if it was to come up for auction if they would be a "player" in trying to retrieve it? I really don't know about the two 1950s pennies, the 1952 proof and the 1954 - did they end up with them? I seem to recall that in the case of the 1954 that there are specimens retained....Must check Richard's site...

Mine is a keeper and not slabbed. But fess up, the funny thing is that one's ego wonders what the TPG grade would be on occasion....

Agreed. Crazy to PAY for such pieces, but the seller unloading it for 10k did well!

I am having trouble downloading the rest.

Reverse 1952 2/6

Definitely true and will be interesting to see (if we live that long) what happens with some of today's "scarcities" like Strike on the Day, etc. Back to the OP: the 1956 2/6 discussed is absolutely top notch and graded Proof 68 Deep Cameo at PCGS and is available for viewing on their site. Mark R. confirmed that the 1952 2/6 is the real deal from the famed Baldwin's Basement and is known in proof ONLY from this specimen, evidently not in the RM or Royal or BM or anywhere else.

I note that on the same Facebook group there are great pictures of some coins including the aforementioned 1952 2/6 as well as a very nice 1956....

The original October of 1997 Baldwin 125th Anniversary Sale had the proof halfcrown and 1952 proof penny as well. I knew some of the principles at the time and may have a picture somewhere and think I have the catalogue which I saved as well. Will have a looksee tomorrow.

Yes, good point as they do miss these & the latest example which I will try to picture if I get hold of it is a proof 1853 Penny that came right from the set with the brown toning on the exposed side from the set and relatively "red" on the down side (obverse)...They really screw up mattes as well which hold their values up and rising if graded highly (off year). Beware of these and opportunity is likely there: one example are the proof 1839 and 1853 halfcrowns as some of the "Proof 63 Cam(eo)" coins may actually be much higher grades....

I have since found out that the 1952 2/6 proof is also unique, this from impeccable source.

I think, as has been hinted at in this post, that many place just too much on the slab grade. HOWEVER, when it comes time to sell (if and when that time comes) that the number is absolutely huge. That is really a shame but no matter how much we ramp and rave, this is just the new reality when it comes to pounds or dollars fetched. The other part of it is the "subjectivity" of grading which in itself has so many different facets ranging from accuracy or lack thereof to the questions behind influence of submitters to the grading process itself; how dare we question this. But as I see it, three positives in slabbing are: 1 - protecting the coin 2 - helping in resale value for marquee coins 3 - providing some rationalization in grading Overall back to the OP point (yet again): there are definitely price rises in coins like the Una and the Lion, Gothic Crown, etc. If you look at the Heritage ANA sale coming up next month, there are two Unas and more Gothic than I can count with huge estimates. On the other hand, true rarities like the sixpences of 1854 or the 1893 Jub head or the 1850 shilling or the 1854 & 1863 florins or the currency 1839 2/6 are not to be seen. These coins relatively languish and IMHO do not seem to have huge rise in value. And let's not go there with other coins that were once thought a little special like the 1932 florin, etc.

LOL, yes pretty crazy there..... Although I like proofs and patterns these did not hold appeal to me. I like the 1961 and 1963 decimal patterns that actually have designs.....

I also wrote Wayne at E-sylum -BTW, check their website. Let's see if he publishes anything about that.

How again did they conclude this was a 25P and not a 20P pattern?

I too am confused by this new volume, and this with TWO versions of the 7th Edition of the Bull ESC. Which now is ESC? And I am miffed by mistakingly getting the abbreviated 7th Edition as at the time of purchase did not know this. Another issue is that in the proofs and patterns of the 20th C. predecimal series have been in many cases mucked up.....I know, I sound the crybaby.

I seem to recall as this coin came up for auction and looked at it. With all due respect rejected it sadly as a specimen or proof. As I have said, and have had both of the 1924 satin specimen halfpennies had some interest in it. But not to be a killjoy and hope you enjoy this one...

IMHO a nice currency strike, but I have seen a number of 1923 and 1924 halfpennies that look quite nice. BTW, the other satin specimen 1924 looks a lot better....

I hadn’t thought the issue as big for the halfpennies or farthings compared with the pennies

Obverse

Here is the reverse of one specimen 1924 half penny.

I concur. The reverse in particular at the helm, drapery, arm and breastplate. The 1924 satin specimen halfpenny was struck as such and will see if I can find a picture If Richard can not, but it looks quite different as you will likely see. From the label it sounds good, but the actual coin even if better than average does not seem to fit.

The fellow over at Coin and Medal News answered me and said they'd discuss it. I think that would be an important addition...

I just wrote them on Facebook and see what they say. Predecimal currency coins don't get a lot of appreciation in the mad rush for all of the SOTD sovereigns and the schlock that the RM has been peddling for a good decade or so....