1949threepence

I looked at Spink's archive, but couldn't find any auctions for 25th November1991.

No, only the indentation on the E. The scratch is either invisible on the photo, or was made later. I'd imagine the Empire photo was taken circa 1963. The fact that Spink acquired the cooin in 1956, must take us back very close to the person who originally found or held the coin. Wonder who that was....

If you look at the top one posted by me, that clearly shows a coin with lustre, as does Bernie's "Market Scene" article. But the other two, posted separately by Paulus and Richard, show a toned coin apparently devoid of lustre.

The indentation on the E is present on all three - my pic not being good enough to show the scratch. So it's definitely the same coin. Odds against those identical flaws being present on two coins being astronomical. But how do you expain the loss of lustre, Matt?

Hmm, not sure what to make of it. The dent in the bottom stem of the "E" of "ONE", mentioned by Bernie, is present on all three pics. Richard's, Bernie's article, and mine from the Empire Co document. What I can't explain is that the first two appear to show a lustred coin, but Richard's pic shows a coin that seems to be fully toned.

Thanks for that, Bernie. Very interesting reading. £24k in 1991. I bet it would fetch a lot more now, possibly even 6 figures. So Peck acquired the penny from Spinks. I wonder who they acquired it from?

Given they were all supposedly melted down, apart from this one specimen, that wouldn't logically follow.

Following this on live audio, and although I've no interest in the items currently being auctioned, I can say with absolute certainty that every item has fetched well above the upper estimate. Room and internet bidding against each other. Very very interesting.

There are three questions which we don't know the answer to (well somebody might, assuming they're still alive). They are:- 1) How the single 1954 coin entered circulation, or if it was removed from the Royal MInt premises, accidentally or otherwise by a Royal MInt employee. 2) If it did somehow get into circulation via a mistake at the Royal MInt, who initially found it. 3/ How did Peck get hold of it? From a legal perspective, the Royal Mint would have to assume that it accidentally entered circulation, but having done so - obviously by means unknown - ownership is then transferred to the current bearer. That's the way I would see it anyway. Any rate, the Mint have never claimed ownership.

Hope this is OK, Bernie:- Just to add it's the best I can get, as the actual pic on the document itself, is not that brilliant.

I received my DNW auction lots today, and in the Peck that I won, there was a very interesting document from the Empire Coin company about the probably unique 1954 penny. Take a look:-

Picked up from Post Office today. Many thanks, Ian.

Unfortunate.

The best way of cleaning coins is not to clean them. You can do untold damage quite unintentionally.

Definite bargain there, Peter !

I'll take it as it's a distinct improvement on the one I've just bought, which I'll now keep as a spare. Have sent you a PM.

I'd just add that my girlfriend suffers from Rheumatoid Arthritis, and the methetrexate she needs to take all the time, plus occasional steroid course, is prescription cost exempt because her condition is chronic. But those are not especially expensive drugs. Some cancer drugs are incredibly costly, and it's a lottery as to whether the NHS here will fund drug treatment for those patients affected.

Jesus Christ, Bob - $11,000 per month is off the scale. I am so sorry to hear this. Hope your wife is OK. God bless.

Idiot that I am, I only went and uploaded a pic of my Freeman 28 in error. The actual Freeman 25 is here (sorry for the confusion folks)

Wish I could. Unfortunately my photographic skills are not that good.

It doesn't show on the pic, but under a loupe, the L C WYON is there, clear of the bust and showing as I C WYON, consistent with obverse 4. To be honest, when I first looked at it this morning, on its arrival, I thought the same as you, until I saw the signature.

Managed to obtain a Freeman 25 from Dave Craddock for just £45. It's only about fine, but despite the rarity 12, you see very few of this type for sale. For example only 2 in the LCA during the last 13 years. There was a UNC in the Workman sale a few years ago though.

A very pleasant guy called Dave just phoned me to say that my lots will be sent next week, all in one package (books and coins together) by Royal Mail next day delilvery. Apparently the delay was due to the books and coins being on different floors, and they're just getting round to marrying the two together.

Mine still haven't arrived and the shipping info remains blank. I had this reply to an enquiry I made on Wednesday:- I think I'm going to have to get in contact again.

Cheers Matt. Of course the rare pennies in the 20th century are well known, and there are fewer varieties. That said, there are some extremely expensive ones amongst them, when in prime condition. I'm thinking especially of the 1919KN and the 1926ME. If I'd had the cash at the time, I'd have gone for Steve's in advance of starting. But before all that I've got to finish the 1860 and 1861 series, as far as is practicable, as well as a few other little spaces.