ken46

I cannot honestly answer your question about silver denominations and die number valuations. But as a collector of sovereign die numbers for almost 30 years I can tell you that there has been a significant appreciation in price over and above the value of the gold content. Perhaps it is just the fact that for most of the years between 1863 and 1874 there were only shield back die numbers minted. One has to also take into consideration the mintage quantities which in some years was very small (1874). Then there is the issue of I haven't found a new (to me) die number in over two years so I guess I would pay a priemium if I found one I didn't have. Ken

Ken, I love your coin but the 9 is way to big. Ken

I just received my cat. today. It has some very nice material that should intrest a lot of you. www.sixbid.com www.the-salesroom.m

I was lucky with your coin in the DNW auction. It has been picked up by Baldwin's to be sent to me here in the states. Their observation: "is not a V over A but is some kind of spectacular die flaw where the left half resembles an "a." "A very nice addition to your collection." Please keep me in mind if you find any other sovs. that are out of the normal. Also, I collect the die numbers of sovs. If your looking at them on occasion may I send you my want list? Thanks, Ken

Eric, it took many lookers and close to 20 years before I got my current 1895L sov. Just a common date but almost impossible to find in unc.

Just in case someone did not know about this: colin@londoncoins.co.uk

I do collect sovereigns and die numbers as well. If you wish drop me a note and we will compare notes. ken@scholarcraft.com

From your comments on sovereigns I am led to believe you are a sovereign collector? Do you collect the die numbers as well?

Hi Peter, my name is Joan I just won 250 twice and you owe me...... How do I collect and when do you pay me. Ken and joan

Your comments about keeping coins (valuables) put away in safe keeping is always prudent. But I would have difficulty in not visiting my collection often. This reminds me of a coin I bought last year. A London dealer bought and sold the coin in the late 1890's and then again in about 1942. It was sold in 1943. The gentleman died in the 1940's and his estate had his collection valued in the 80's and put back in the vault. Only to finally come out again last year. I came to the conclusion long ago that I am only the keeper and as long as they make me happy then I shall continue to keep them. But I want others to enjoy and love them as much as I when that time comes.

Here is another web site with a weekly online auction that some members might find of intrest. www.kjc.com.au

Wish you luck! Anytime you can buy a real vintage gold or silver coin for not a whole lot over bullion then go for it. You cannot go wrong.

Egg on my face! I was so focused on the proof part of the question. I had Marsh's open to Victoria. Everything else is O. K. I think! Correction. The mint mark on a George V is centerof the erergue ABOVE the date. M P S SA

The mint marks are tiny letters located below the very bottom of the shield reverse. McDonald lists only a 1911S proof with the highest of rarity priced at AU$85,000. He does not list any proof pieces for 1912; in fact no other George VI proof pieces from Austrailia. W/M only lists half-sovereign London proofs for 1911. The unique matte proof (for photographing) and the normal proof piece. I guess most dealers would be able to distinguish between a proof and an early strike.