Mynki

F = £125 VF = £300

If I were selling I think I'd risk ebay, even after fees you might get more than melt from a jeweller. There are also Facebook groups dedicated to sovereigns, maybe join one of those and offer it for sale there. You'll get more money and it won't be melted down.

What do you all think? http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1817-SIXPENCE-GEORGE-III-LAUREATE-HEAD-HIGH-GRADE-/221982239746?hash=item33af2c2c02:g:7TMAAOSwdvpWDThF

It was. Spoke to her this morning, she was pleasasnt and helpful. So I too should also own a CGS78 1949. Should be here in a couple of days.

Oh dear. On a low spec beamer too... Very sad!

That's a great looking looking coin Paulus. If you don't mind me askiing, did they have CGS grade it before offering it for sale?

Hmmmm I have a 'hobby' business selling through ebay across three ebay shops. In total we have around 1500 listings, with only a fraction of those being unique so I'm aware of potential issues as we've had our fair share ourselves as I'm sure you can appreciate. That said, the coin in question is in my humble opinion a considered purchase, so I would at least have expected one employee to confirm that it was or is no longer in stock. There are plenty of ecommerce software packages out there which will monitor stock levels as long as they're updated accurately which can be purchased reasonably so really London Coins should have a more accurate view of what they have in stock. Leaving a coin in a catalogue is of course forgivable as details will have to be sent to the printers well in advance of the actual event and it makes no sense not to sell them if they have a willing buyer before the auction etc. . Apparently I'll now have to wait for a lady to call me back next week as she's off this week. This doesn't strike me as potentially good business practise, in the meantime I may stumble across something similar and purchase that resulting in them losing a sale. In short it's difficult for me to have too much sympathy when there appear to be other employees working there, I actually had my debit card in hand when on the phone to them too.

Do you mean they didn't sell it you and it appeared in an auction? Or that you bought it, but they left it in their catalogue?

Hi Nordle I have actually seen that particular coin and so emailed London Coins about it. To date I have not had a reply, so I called earlier to be told they're not sure if they have it in stock and will call me next week to discuss.... I'm not entirely sure what to make of that to be honest.

Oh for gods sake!!!! That's the second time I've made a 'typo' this week on here. Could someone kindly edit the thread title please? Thanks for the heads up.

This is correct. It is a 'feature' of many online forums. People should ensure they select 'private' message if they don't want the world reading what they write!

I have. Their reply... "Thank you for your email, the coin is not obviously or recently cleaned. I have just looked at the coin and it is less bright than the picture reflects. Regards," My problem is I've become rather distrusting in this game. The above reply doesn't fill me with confidence if I'm honest.

Wish I knew what that meant!

Thanks for all the feedback guys. Will keep looking.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1910-Edward-VII-Silver-Shilling-A-UNC-2/252007782757?_trksid=p2047675.c100009.m1982&_trkparms=aid%3D222007%26algo%3DSIC.MBE%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D20140328180637%26meid%3D596d3f0ffef94f96bf8030a94ee00aa1%26pid%3D100009%26rk%3D3%26rkt%3D10%26sd%3D272040076483 I have my thoughts, but would be most appreciative if you could offer your opinion on it's grading. Thanks in advance.

My biggest concern was cleaning, he states that it has not been though. There are many "blast white" examples for sale all over the web, I've seen a lot of toned examples though which made me suspicious. It frustrating really because I'd like to acquire high grade examples, but knowing who to trust seller wise seems like more trouble than it's worth some times.

OK, anyone fancy valueing and grading this coin too? http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/351453278519

I think I need to add that it should go without saying that dealers need to earn a living, I'd be being a bit harsh to say the least if I thought otherwise. That said a 1915 Austrian gold 4 ducat restrike can be had from Bullion by post for £367 today direct from their website. Another dealer, MSOWL99 who apparently is someone called Alison Chapman and has featured on ITV's Dickinson's Real Deal and Secret Dealers has the very same coin for sale in her ebay store (Ebay item number381459506891) for £850!!! http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/4-DUCATS-COIN-AUSTRIA-DATED-1915-986-FINENESS-14-0-GRAMS-RARE/381459506891?_trksid=p2047675.c100005.m1851&_trkparms=aid%3D222007%26algo%3DSIC.MBE%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D20140122125356%26meid%3D9b5c5cf737e34718b126e24ada24cb6d%26pid%3D100005%26rk%3D3%26rkt%3D6%26sd%3D151880927329 With that in mind I'm sure people can understand the need to exercise caution and do their homework before making a significant purchase. Now to be fair as I've portrayed Bucks Coins in a slightly negative light, I did purchaser a 1 ducat coin from him some time ago for a reasonable price, less than the bullion by post price etc. Again, it should go without saying that not all dealers should be tarred with the same brush, there are some truly excellent and honest people out there. As for buying rarities at BV. I'm not that lucky, I'd never expect to do that. From looking at the auctions it seems to me that most sales go for their market rate with only a few bargains to be had. Gold is at a fairly low price today and single sovereigns retailing at £190 each for single purchases. Sell it or any other sovereign back to the same dealer and you'll receive just £164 be it a 2015 bullion coin or something considerably rarer as they don't pay for numismatic value. They do however sell rare coins with that factored in with no description as to the condition of the coin. So newbies to sovereigns as has been really do need to understand the difference.

Yeah, aware of what Spinks sell Azda. To be honest price guides offer some info, but I find it better to create a spreadsheet and detail all sales records in recent years, fees and VAT included of course. It's time consuming but results in more accurate valuations etc. The other benefit is you get to look at many examples of a coin you're interested in. To me it's a hobby, I suspect the bairn will inherit the collection, no plans to flip anything, just collect as a hobby. However I want to ensure I'm not paying over the odds. You've mentioned Bucks coins in recent times so know exactly what I'm referring to.

I've started collecting sovereigns, nothing at all to get excited about just yet but I keep looking. I agree Spinks prices do not accurately reflect the results of coins realised at auction. Yes I'd be prepared to use dealers rather than our man in Nicaragua, and certainly our man in Nigeria. But some do seem on the high side on occasion which for me personally make auctions look more attractive. So what can you do? Is it worth making an offer to a dealer if you believe they're a little high or even very high?

Just out of interest what do people think about proofs vs bullion coins? What the pros and cons of proofs etc?

Wanted Victoria jubilee and old head half crowns. MUST be in GENUINE UNC condition. Should you have any for sale, please PM me details via this forum. Please do not offer almost UNC or EF coins etc. Thanks in advance Mynki

Would be ok paying around £300, that's what it seems to be worth. I can't imagine the dealer appreciating an offer 33% below list price though. Will wait to see what turns up in the auctions this year.

Gentlemen Could I ask your opinion on the value of a BU George V gold sovereign 1911c Spinks code S3996. Thanks in advance.

Good eye appeal but the dealer has it listed at £450 which appears to be on the high side from my investigations so far. Will keep looking...