Coin Monthly Magazine

[DaveG38 385]

Can anybody help enlighten me about the Coin Monthly magazine series? My set of these starts with volume 1 part 1 in November 1966 and runs until Feb 1992. I've now obtained a very thin booklet called 'Coin Monthly' dated May 1966. It's clear from reading the booklet, that this isn't the first issue and, since there is a list of future articles, it was obviously intended that there would be future issues. The publisher appears to be the Numismatic Publishing Company i.e. the same company as issued the Coin Monthly series for the best part of 25 years until 1992.

Does anybody know what the history is of these pre-Coin Monthly publicatiosn is? How many were there and when did they start and finish?

Here's a picture of the front cover.

[1949threepence 3,366]

Unfortunately I've absolutely no idea, Dave. All I do know is that I would love to see some of them, They'd be a great read.

Is there any way of getting back copies, or e images ?

[Peckris 579]

Can anybody help enlighten me about the Coin Monthly magazine series? My set of these starts with volume 1 part 1 in November 1966 and runs until Feb 1992. I've now obtained a very thin booklet called 'Coin Monthly' dated May 1966. It's clear from reading the booklet, that this isn't the first issue and, since there is a list of future articles, it was obviously intended that there would be future issues. The publisher appears to be the Numismatic Publishing Company i.e. the same company as issued the Coin Monthly series for the best part of 25 years until 1992.

Does anybody know what the history is of these pre-Coin Monthly publicatiosn is? How many were there and when did they start and finish?

Here's a picture of the front cover.

I'd be very interested in a scanned upload (PDF?) of that Dave.

I'd also be interested in something similar for the first issue of the regular magazine (but I realise that would be a major task so I'll keep looking for a copy of it).

[Accumulator 52]

I can't help you with dates as I had a clear out of old catalogues and magazines many years ago (I now wish I'd kept a few!).

By coincidence I bought this 1981 Coin Monthly on eBay today for the princely sum of £1.99 + postage. If the penny article is of interest I'll scan it.

[DaveG38 385]

I can't help you with dates as I had a clear out of old catalogues and magazines many years ago (I now wish I'd kept a few!).

By coincidence I bought this 1981 Coin Monthly on eBay today for the princely sum of £1.99 + postage. If the penny article is of interest I'll scan it.

You should have said, as I have duplicates of a great many of the dates. Still at £1.99 you weren't done.

[DaveG38 385]

Can anybody help enlighten me about the Coin Monthly magazine series? My set of these starts with volume 1 part 1 in November 1966 and runs until Feb 1992. I've now obtained a very thin booklet called 'Coin Monthly' dated May 1966. It's clear from reading the booklet, that this isn't the first issue and, since there is a list of future articles, it was obviously intended that there would be future issues. The publisher appears to be the Numismatic Publishing Company i.e. the same company as issued the Coin Monthly series for the best part of 25 years until 1992.

Does anybody know what the history is of these pre-Coin Monthly publicatiosn is? How many were there and when did they start and finish?

Here's a picture of the front cover.

I'd be very interested in a scanned upload (PDF?) of that Dave.

I'd also be interested in something similar for the first issue of the regular magazine (but I realise that would be a major task so I'll keep looking for a copy of it).

Peckris,

I'll see what I can do. However, I'm feeling crap at the moment with some virus that I can't seem to shake off. But, once I'm fit, I'll see about scanning them both - although the May one I bought the other day is distinctly underwhelming at just 18 pages long! And the content is very superficial - its almost as though it was a test run for the real thing to come some 5 or 6 months later.

[Accumulator 52]

I can't help you with dates as I had a clear out of old catalogues and magazines many years ago (I now wish I'd kept a few!).

By coincidence I bought this 1981 Coin Monthly on eBay today for the princely sum of £1.99 + postage. If the penny article is of interest I'll scan it.

You should have said, as I have duplicates of a great many of the dates. Still at £1.99 you weren't done.

Thanks for the offer Dave. To be honest, at £1.99, it was just a spur of the moment purchase.

[1887jubilee 36]

Sorry I can only do coin monthly back to 1971 Before that it was Coin and Medal Digest

Can anybody help enlighten me about the Coin Monthly magazine series? My set of these starts with volume 1 part 1 in November 1966 and runs until Feb 1992. I've now obtained a very thin booklet called 'Coin Monthly' dated May 1966. It's clear from reading the booklet, that this isn't the first issue and, since there is a list of future articles, it was obviously intended that there would be future issues. The publisher appears to be the Numismatic Publishing Company i.e. the same company as issued the Coin Monthly series for the best part of 25 years until 1992.

Does anybody know what the history is of these pre-Coin Monthly publicatiosn is? How many were there and when did they start and finish?

Here's a picture of the front cover.

[1949threepence 3,366]

Unfortunately I've absolutely no idea, Dave. All I do know is that I would love to see some of them, They'd be a great read.

Is there any way of getting back copies, or e images ?

Just to extend thanks to Rob for a very kind offer, which I've accepted, of some old Coin Monthly mags at a very reasonable price.

Thanks Rob

[Peckris 579]

Peckris,

I'll see what I can do. However, I'm feeling crap at the moment with some virus that I can't seem to shake off. But, once I'm fit, I'll see about scanning them both - although the May one I bought the other day is distinctly underwhelming at just 18 pages long! And the content is very superficial - its almost as though it was a test run for the real thing to come some 5 or 6 months later.

Don't rush - whenever you have the time and energy. I've just had that bl00dy virus, it's not nice.

Sorry I can only do coin monthly back to 1971 Before that it was Coin and Medal Digest

Ah, no. It was Coin Monthly from 1966 (which is when it started)- The Numismatic Publishing Company of Essex. The Coin and Medal thing was the Link House magazine I think? Which eventually turned into the annual Coins & Market Values, still produced by Link House.

[1949threepence 3,366]

Unfortunately I've absolutely no idea, Dave. All I do know is that I would love to see some of them, They'd be a great read.

Is there any way of getting back copies, or e images ?

Just to extend thanks to Rob for a very kind offer, which I've accepted, of some old Coin Monthly mags at a very reasonable price.

Thanks Rob

They arrived today and I've been reading one or two from 1969 (only two months so far). First impression are of a pre-occupation with 1951 pennies back then. They were almost the holy grail. One dealer wanted more for a BU specimen, than for an uncirculated 1881.

I'm intrigued by some of the prices being charged back then, and might well do some comparative experiments with inflation and today's prices.

They really are an intersting read. Once again thanks to Rob.

[Peter 615]

I have a massive stack of them.

The prices are amazing for rarities and crap.

Always a good read.

Pre internet I would buy from the adverts.

[Peckris 579]

Unfortunately I've absolutely no idea, Dave. All I do know is that I would love to see some of them, They'd be a great read.

Is there any way of getting back copies, or e images ?

Just to extend thanks to Rob for a very kind offer, which I've accepted, of some old Coin Monthly mags at a very reasonable price.

Thanks Rob

They arrived today and I've been reading one or two from 1969 (only two months so far). First impression are of a pre-occupation with 1951 pennies back then. They were almost the holy grail. One dealer wanted more for a BU specimen, than for an uncirculated 1881.

I'm intrigued by some of the prices being charged back then, and might well do some comparative experiments with inflation and today's prices.

They really are an intersting read. Once again thanks to Rob.

Snap - I filled in some gaps from Rob's "stash", and you're right, they make very interesting reading. In one 1969 advert, there's a grid of UNC coins in all denominations from 1937 to 1967 - they are asking £35 for a 1959 halfcrown. Turn the page, and Lincoln Coins are asking £22 for an EF 1689 halfcrown, and £33 for a "Vir. BU" 1836 halfcrown. What absolute madness those times were.

[TomGoodheart 373]

Snap - I filled in some gaps from Rob's "stash", and you're right, they make very interesting reading. In one 1969 advert, there's a grid of UNC coins in all denominations from 1937 to 1967 - they are asking £35 for a 1959 halfcrown. Turn the page, and Lincoln Coins are asking £22 for an EF 1689 halfcrown, and £33 for a "Vir. BU" 1836 halfcrown. What absolute madness those times were.

Yeah. Never mind buying coins to slab and sell in the US ... we should be building a time machine, going back and buying up everything at 1960's prices!

[Peckris 579]

Snap - I filled in some gaps from Rob's "stash", and you're right, they make very interesting reading. In one 1969 advert, there's a grid of UNC coins in all denominations from 1937 to 1967 - they are asking £35 for a 1959 halfcrown. Turn the page, and Lincoln Coins are asking £22 for an EF 1689 halfcrown, and £33 for a "Vir. BU" 1836 halfcrown. What absolute madness those times were.

Yeah. Never mind buying coins to slab and sell in the US ... we should be building a time machine, going back and buying up everything at 1960's prices!

But nothing post-1936

[1949threepence 3,366]

Snap - I filled in some gaps from Rob's "stash", and you're right, they make very interesting reading. In one 1969 advert, there's a grid of UNC coins in all denominations from 1937 to 1967 - they are asking £35 for a 1959 halfcrown. Turn the page, and Lincoln Coins are asking £22 for an EF 1689 halfcrown, and £33 for a "Vir. BU" 1836 halfcrown. What absolute madness those times were.

Yeah. Never mind buying coins to slab and sell in the US ... we should be building a time machine, going back and buying up everything at 1960's prices!

But nothing post-1936

Maybe we should think about selling some items at 1969 prices !!! I can't believe some of the prices back then. For instance, in November 1969, "Earl of Tooting" were asking £60-0-0 for an UNC 1925 shilling, and £25-0-0 a piece for uncirculated 1930 & 1934 shillings. Manor Antiques wanted £8-0-0 for a BU 1958 threepence, "City Coins" were asking £24-0-0 for a GVF 1949 threepence. "Joan E Allen & Company" were asking £48-0-0 for a BU1932 penny.

Given that the average weekly wage back then was £26-0-0 it's no wonder the average punter would have been priced out of many good purchases.

[Peckris 579]

Snap - I filled in some gaps from Rob's "stash", and you're right, they make very interesting reading. In one 1969 advert, there's a grid of UNC coins in all denominations from 1937 to 1967 - they are asking £35 for a 1959 halfcrown. Turn the page, and Lincoln Coins are asking £22 for an EF 1689 halfcrown, and £33 for a "Vir. BU" 1836 halfcrown. What absolute madness those times were.

Yeah. Never mind buying coins to slab and sell in the US ... we should be building a time machine, going back and buying up everything at 1960's prices!

But nothing post-1936

Maybe we should think about selling some items at 1969 prices !!! I can't believe some of the prices back then. For instance, in November 1969, "Earl of Tooting" were asking £60-0-0 for an UNC 1925 shilling, and £25-0-0 a piece for uncirculated 1930 & 1934 shillings. Manor Antiques wanted £8-0-0 for a BU 1958 threepence, "City Coins" were asking £24-0-0 for a GVF 1949 threepence. "Joan E Allen & Company" were asking £48-0-0 for a BU1932 penny.

Given that the average weekly wage back then was £26-0-0 it's no wonder the average punter would have been priced out of many good purchases.

I know - the ultimate silliness in my book was from a 1970 price guide, where a BU 1932 penny was valued at £50, while a BU 1797 twopence was valued at a mere £35! Two weeks' wages for the 1932!!

[davidrj 194]

I know - the ultimate silliness in my book was from a 1970 price guide, where a BU 1932 penny was valued at £50, while a BU 1797 twopence was valued at a mere £35! Two weeks' wages for the 1932!!

Which is why, as a very junior employee in that era, I stopped collecting coins once predecimal stuff couldn't be got from circulation, just too expensive for me then - and that was before mortgage and kids

[Peckris 579]

I know - the ultimate silliness in my book was from a 1970 price guide, where a BU 1932 penny was valued at £50, while a BU 1797 twopence was valued at a mere £35! Two weeks' wages for the 1932!!

Which is why, as a very junior employee in that era, I stopped collecting coins once predecimal stuff couldn't be got from circulation, just too expensive for me then - and that was before mortgage and kids

I was fresh out of school - even more poverty-stricken than a guy with a mortgage and kids

[Accumulator 52]

I know - the ultimate silliness in my book was from a 1970 price guide, where a BU 1932 penny was valued at £50, while a BU 1797 twopence was valued at a mere £35! Two weeks' wages for the 1932!!

Which is why, as a very junior employee in that era, I stopped collecting coins once predecimal stuff couldn't be got from circulation, just too expensive for me then - and that was before mortgage and kids

I was fresh out of school - even more poverty-stricken than a guy with a mortgage and kids

I was using my pocket money to pull coins from circulation. 6d a week didn't go far, though I sometimes got a shilling or even a florin from my grandparents. Then i put some of my coins back into circulation to buy stamps... that was my big mistake!

[1949threepence 3,366]

Snap - I filled in some gaps from Rob's "stash", and you're right, they make very interesting reading. In one 1969 advert, there's a grid of UNC coins in all denominations from 1937 to 1967 - they are asking £35 for a 1959 halfcrown. Turn the page, and Lincoln Coins are asking £22 for an EF 1689 halfcrown, and £33 for a "Vir. BU" 1836 halfcrown. What absolute madness those times were.

Yeah. Never mind buying coins to slab and sell in the US ... we should be building a time machine, going back and buying up everything at 1960's prices!

But nothing post-1936

Maybe we should think about selling some items at 1969 prices !!! I can't believe some of the prices back then. For instance, in November 1969, "Earl of Tooting" were asking £60-0-0 for an UNC 1925 shilling, and £25-0-0 a piece for uncirculated 1930 & 1934 shillings. Manor Antiques wanted £8-0-0 for a BU 1958 threepence, "City Coins" were asking £24-0-0 for a GVF 1949 threepence. "Joan E Allen & Company" were asking £48-0-0 for a BU1932 penny.

Given that the average weekly wage back then was £26-0-0 it's no wonder the average punter would have been priced out of many good purchases.

I know - the ultimate silliness in my book was from a 1970 price guide, where a BU 1932 penny was valued at £50, while a BU 1797 twopence was valued at a mere £35! Two weeks' wages for the 1932!!

£50 then adjusted for inflation, would be £683.50 now ~ for a BU 1932 penny !!!

Some people must actually have paid those amounts, and sustained a significant loss on their investment subsequently. Even if collected as a hobby for keeps, there'd still be the gnawing feeling that if they'd waited, they'd have got the item/s massively cheaper.

inflation calculator

edit: at 2010 prices

Edited February 12, 2013 by 1949threepence

[Peckris 579]

Snap - I filled in some gaps from Rob's "stash", and you're right, they make very interesting reading. In one 1969 advert, there's a grid of UNC coins in all denominations from 1937 to 1967 - they are asking £35 for a 1959 halfcrown. Turn the page, and Lincoln Coins are asking £22 for an EF 1689 halfcrown, and £33 for a "Vir. BU" 1836 halfcrown. What absolute madness those times were.

Yeah. Never mind buying coins to slab and sell in the US ... we should be building a time machine, going back and buying up everything at 1960's prices!

But nothing post-1936

Maybe we should think about selling some items at 1969 prices !!! I can't believe some of the prices back then. For instance, in November 1969, "Earl of Tooting" were asking £60-0-0 for an UNC 1925 shilling, and £25-0-0 a piece for uncirculated 1930 & 1934 shillings. Manor Antiques wanted £8-0-0 for a BU 1958 threepence, "City Coins" were asking £24-0-0 for a GVF 1949 threepence. "Joan E Allen & Company" were asking £48-0-0 for a BU1932 penny.

Given that the average weekly wage back then was £26-0-0 it's no wonder the average punter would have been priced out of many good purchases.

I know - the ultimate silliness in my book was from a 1970 price guide, where a BU 1932 penny was valued at £50, while a BU 1797 twopence was valued at a mere £35! Two weeks' wages for the 1932!!

£50 then adjusted for inflation, would be £683.50 now ~ for a BU 1932 penny !!!

Some people must actually have paid those amounts, and sustained a significant loss on their investment subsequently. Even if collected as a hobby for keeps, there'd still be the gnawing feeling that if they'd waited, they'd have got the item/s massively cheaper.

inflation calculator

edit: at 2010 prices

I suppose the fever was so strong that no-one predicted that the end of predecimal coinage would actually have the opposite effect on prices. But it's also true to say that pre-1887 stuff was at least as undervalued as some modern stuff was overvalued. But it didn't all come out in the wash until the mid-70s.

I think dealers must have suffered the worst in the lead-up to 1971. Yet those who concentrated on the 'average punter' like R&L, the Beaumonts, Peter Ireland, etc, seemed to survive for a good few years unlike the serial overpricers such as Mayfair and Joan E Allen etc.

[1949threepence 3,366]

I suppose the fever was so strong that no-one predicted that the end of predecimal coinage would actually have the opposite effect on prices. But it's also true to say that pre-1887 stuff was at least as undervalued as some modern stuff was overvalued. But it didn't all come out in the wash until the mid-70s.

I think dealers must have suffered the worst in the lead-up to 1971. Yet those who concentrated on the 'average punter' like R&L, the Beaumonts, Peter Ireland, etc, seemed to survive for a good few years unlike the serial overpricers such as Mayfair and Joan E Allen etc.

Yes, absolutely.

It was the tendency towards overpricing the modern coins which, in retrospect, seems a bit odd. But, like so many things of any given era, it was probably totally the right thing at the time, or seemed so.

What is obvious is that huge quantities of circulated coins were being taken out of circulation and offered by dealers at enhanced prices. Another noticeable trend was the one of offering for sale, tubes or mint bags of uncirculated modern coins. I wonder if psychologically, the effect of seeing uncirculated items which were theroretically still available from circulating coins, but in practice almost impossible to find, lent them the cache they needed, pre decimalisation, to cause an unrealistic explosion in prices. Just a thought.

I did notice a BU 1918KN which was being offered at £150 (just over £2000 today), and indeed, £2000 might well be what it would change hands for now. Possibly more.

[Peckris 579]

I suppose the fever was so strong that no-one predicted that the end of predecimal coinage would actually have the opposite effect on prices. But it's also true to say that pre-1887 stuff was at least as undervalued as some modern stuff was overvalued. But it didn't all come out in the wash until the mid-70s.

I think dealers must have suffered the worst in the lead-up to 1971. Yet those who concentrated on the 'average punter' like R&L, the Beaumonts, Peter Ireland, etc, seemed to survive for a good few years unlike the serial overpricers such as Mayfair and Joan E Allen etc.

Yes, absolutely.

It was the tendency towards overpricing the modern coins which, in retrospect, seems a bit odd. But, like so many things of any given era, it was probably totally the right thing at the time, or seemed so.

What is obvious is that huge quantities of circulated coins were being taken out of circulation and offered by dealers at enhanced prices. Another noticeable trend was the one of offering for sale, tubes or mint bags of uncirculated modern coins. I wonder if psychologically, the effect of seeing uncirculated items which were theroretically still available from circulating coins, but in practice almost impossible to find, lent them the cache they needed, pre decimalisation, to cause an unrealistic explosion in prices. Just a thought.

I did notice a BU 1918KN which was being offered at £150 (just over £2000 today), and indeed, £2000 might well be what it would change hands for now. Possibly more.

Those issues of Coin Monthly are just packed with ads from dealers offering quantities (sometimes quite large!) of 1960s coins in BU for a premium over face - the premium increasing year on year as you went back. Noticeably it dried up once you got back to the 1950s, with a few exceptions like 1959 sixpences, 1957/1959E shillings, 1958/1959 halfpennies, stuff like that. There must be two of those ads for every one offering 'proper' coins. It is certainly the people who 'invested' in such things, or in buying up low grade 'key dates', who got burned the worst.