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Peck, You are more articulate than me and have just presented the rub of it. However views do change, George VI and Elizabeth II pre-decimal were not popular in their time but are certainly increasingly viewed as collectable now. Your point about proofs is particularly apt. Surely a proof should be exciting, something to get the blood boiling, an unusual event. Not just the mint churning out thousands of coins because marketing has thought of a new angle. Take the 1927 proof set or if broken down individual coins, I still enjoy looking at them, checking how close to FDC they are, just knowing that relatively low numbers in production make them more interesting. The point about cost is a fair one. Think if that is a factor I might look at something else but perhaps that's just me. M

A new proof should be immaculate. The original poster is not being pedantic. Of course with time the market is more forgiving. A question for me is why would anyone buy modern proofs? I do accept that, that is pandering to my own prejudices. So no criticism intended, but they just seem so boring and many. I'm sure someone can make a case. M

You know Rob I can remember when the Daily Telegraph was like that, sadly no more. It has now become like the Daily Mail that I stopped buying in my mid twenties nearly forty years ago. I buy the FT for it's investment news and comment. Agree some of the columnists are of the liberal, metropolitan elite who are clearly bias. But that is virtually true of all main stream newspapers. Two of the best articles on Brexit I have read with no bias as far as I could see were in the FT. Just stating the facts as the writer saw it one way or another. Long may it continue. My online subscription is over £300 a year. I always ring them up on renewal and argue for a discount. It's coming to that time of year again. M

Couldn't agree more. I can remember a time when a newspaper reported the news and you had to turn to an opinion page for something else. Now most journalists think they are important. M

Hi, Struggling to get to the bottom of this after exhaustive research. Just how rare is the 1845 5 over 3. Spink catalogue says extremely rare, new spink has ? I know that in low grades the 5/3 could be hard to verify, but it is clearly discernible in high grade. Of course that just makes it harder. Any thoughts? Rob, anyone? Regards Mark

So Rob and Vicki, How many have you seen? Back of the envelope figure will do. Of those how many in high grade, say EF or above? Over what time period? MARK

Interesting. Must say I was leaning toward very rare but hadn't considered your single die statement. What is certain these rarely come to market. Thanks for your thoughts they have cemented mine. Mark

Hi Rob, Hope all is well, thanks for that. It is just a hard coin to get a handle on. I'm assuming its rarer than the 1843 but not the 1841. But have to confess that's just a gut feeling. Mark

As many will know we have been running a series of articles on the JNCoins website looking at the reign of George V. Chris (Peckris), who's knowledge of GV coinage is on a supperior level from probably most of us, has been writing the series for us. These articles in amended format have been running in Coin Monthly. Now Chris has revisited the fourth article, see the link below. http://www.jncoins.co.uk/JNC/en/content/25-gv This involves some fascinating speculation that you may feel you want to post comments upon, on this thread. I'm sure this will encourage Chris out of hibernation, something to be welcomed in itself. Kind regards Mark

Hi, Peck's 4th article in the series is now up for those who have been following. Here's the link​: http://www.jncoins.co.uk/JNC/en/content/24-coinage-of-george-v-part-4 If you want to read the whole series, just go to the home page and click articles. As a matter of interest an amended series is being run in Coin News based on the articles on the JNCoins web site. Mark ​

Its interesting that LCA attach a premium in estimates for CGS slabbed coins against similar non slabbed coins. You could say that they are just talking up their own book, well they cant be criticised for that. However perhaps they have identified a segment of the market that is willing to pay more for certainty. I'm finding that I'm frequently asked what grade a particular coin would be if graded by CGS. I politely explaind that we grade using the traditional method and that the two are not directly comparable. Having said that its here to stay. No doubt about it, more and more coins are being slabbed. As to the superiority of PCGS, well I don't buy that, particularly where British coins are concerned. If slabbing is your thing CGS don't seem to be inferior to anyone else. Having said that it is of course a matter of opinion as indeed is all grading. The old adage still applies 'let the buyer beware' hence the need to at least have a working knowledge of grading before buying any coin. Mark

Richard, Interesting, I'm sure Chris will pick it up. By the way stunning penny site. First time I have seen it. Mark

Rob, I think you make an interesting point as to toning with 1911's. Often wondered why this should be. Makes sense. M

Sword, As to your original question. I just think its a matter of taste. I have noticed that some 1911 silver proofs with blue green lustre are stunning and attract a premium. If a coin develops toning with lustre and eye appeal why should it be cheaper than a coin with original brilliance? Of course with copper and bronze its different, the market gives a premium rating to original brilliance. M

Mr T, Outstanding post if I may say so. That's just what needed doing. This thread could prove a point of reference that will be most useful. Perhaps what's needed are pictures by type. Can anyone get that started. Mark

Stokes catch diving behind at fifth slip at speed was the greatest catch in a test arena in my life time. Still can't believe he held it. Mark

Just a reminder of what the bog standard 'rarity' looks like

Joe, Rob is making a good point about dealers. Take each coin on its merit. Don't assume auction houses are more cost effective than dealers. The dealer may have sourced his coins on good terms and can pass that on. On the other hand you may get a bargain at an auction on the day because collectors failed to show. Mark

Joe, Welcome. Sovereigns are just as collectable as anything else. Just some thoughts in no particular order. Sovereigns in low grade, with some exceptions are only worth bullion value. Make sure you know the price of gold, which currently is bearish. So be careful. Sovereigns in high grade, the further you go back, have an intrinsic value that supersedes bullion value. So the price of gold becomes less important. They become less speculative. Unless you understand this you will lose money. So don't be in a hurray. Would suggest you familiarise yourself with Marsh and obtain them if you can. By all means familiarise yourself with prices on ebay. Then be determined not to buy your sovereigns there. Buy the highest grade you can afford. Less is more particularly with gold. Best Mark

Try ringing token direct. They are very nice people and approachable. I'm sure they will help you out. Mark

Balf, As others have said welcome. Dave's advice about handling couldn't be more important. If many are badly worn then storage is perhaps less important as they may just be worth bullion value. But any thing half decent try to separate from other coins. Do take your time with this. You can buy the publication in digital form for your phone or tablet. If you follow Peter's suggestion you can easily identify the scarcer dates for any period. Perhaps you could start to post pictures in time of scarcer dates and better condition coins then we can have a look? Mark

Peter, First off I take it your not yet 55? Can you find out from your providers whether they will be running the new bank account type pensions? You also need to find out about early encashment penalties, they should not be to much of a problem now. Let me know either here or direct. I can help. Cant any longer give specific advice but can provide facts that should sort this for you. Mark

Paulus, Nicely put. Dave what I'm referring to is the lack of 'graciousness' at times. I'm not suggesting that views should not be exchanged even robustly. But that can always be done in a way that dignifies others. Mark

MRD, You make the point very well. Disappointing but sadly not unexpected. Mark.

Fluke, Welcome to the board. You will find most on here courteous and considerate so would recommend you persevere. As to grading it is subjective as Dave suggests. Might like to bear in mind it is an opinion and these do vary, however reasonably you would expect not to much disparity. Just one thought, coins do not always wear evenly, so it is not unreasonable to grade one coin side higher than another. George V can be notorious for this, in fact one side being as much as a whole grade different. If you have not done so would suggest you get a copy of the 'Standard Guide to Grading British Coins' you can download a copy in electronic form very cheaply from this site. It will be one of the best investments you make. Mark