Cliff

Hot flush! Apologies to MAURICE (not Morris as I typed - but you all knew that of course!).

Recent purchase off ebay had me puzzled, so sought guidance from Morris Bull. I thank Morris for his prompt response which I paraphrase as follows: "This coin is a new variety I had not recorded". "Without a lot of studying, I would classify this coin as (3:15 o'clock) obverse Bull 331e with reverse of Bull 340e / 23".

Having probs trying to transmit Bull page print within system allowed size. Will 'switch on/off (sometime works) and keep on trying but maybe quicker if you let me have your email address? Rob's provenance is same as shows on Bulls. Cliff

Very, VERY NICE, bet you're pleased with that Sword! Bull 212b / 28 plate coin if I'm not mistaken?

I think Rob's original "trace of portcullis" sums it up. Would be interested to see full size Obv/Rev shots. Bull's Vol II describes several 1634-35 Bell/Portcullis examples.

I've managed better pics showing the portcullis better (attached). Have also been in contact with Maurice Bull who, initially confirmed, it might be the Bull 212b / 28, but rightfully "could not say for certain the mintmarks are Bell over portcullis without handling it". I tried for better pics, which Maurice kindly viewed and responds "Yes I'm now sure the bell is over something which can only be a portcullis. It's a nice round coin". Submitted as hammered Half crowns don't seem to get much mileage and to say thanks to Maurice for his patience with this novice!

Cleaned my specs and am relatively sober - am now seeing the portcullis - happy! Apologies for any confusion I may have caused.

I have very little experience re half crown coins but think this recent 1634 - 35 acquisition is a S2773. I confess to being stuck when trying to allocate a more specific Bull designation but am leaning towards Bull 212b/28 - am I anywhere near? I've tried to make allowances for some "double strike" evidences on the Rev but much of my dilemma hangs around me not being certain as to whether the Obv Bell if over a Portcullis or not!

Congratulations - well spotted Jeff. Thanks for the pics Pete, nothing came with the original post.

Whooops - cap in hand, I've misread and misunderstood my Gouby, for which I apologize. I was going off the two different hair lengths your two 1875s 'appear' to have and jumping the gun.

Isn't your new one, Britannia with the long neck hair, Gouby reverse J and your old one, with the short neck hair, reverse ja? I tend to get confused as the bottle empties!

twas me

Another view of the 1861 Y repair

Smack on the button, thanks Rob. Plain as daylight now they're pointed out to me but it needed your expertise to open my eyes!