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"I see no reason why we should adopt the word cent" Thanks for sharing, that was very interesting.

Two comments. 1) I'm not defending NGC, but it's hard to make any good judgment call of the grade from pictures like that. I will say that MS64 isn't exactly a glowing endorsement of the coin. It is certainly UNC, and MS63/64 are the most commonly assigned grades to UNC coins with no large or obtrusive gashes, rim dings, bag marks, etc. You may also note that in the USA grading system, a full/strong strike is not a requirement at grades below MS65. This is philosophically counter to the way that UK collectors grade UNC coins. From what I can see in the pictures, I don't see anything that would necessarily bring this coin to below the MS63/64 range. Lastly, NGC is an opinion -- nobody says you have to like it. 2) The price is irrelevant, as it is an asking price not a sold price. People can ask whatever they darn well please for their coins. This one is high by my standards, but it's easy enough for me not to click on the "Buy it Now" button.

@Paulus, I'm glad to see you snagged that very nice Middlesex 1017 on David Stuarts site. That one was one my "watch" list for a long time, as it is a really nice example (if even a common token). Your write-ups on your site are also very nice! I recognize a couple others among your collection from David's site also. Great eye!

I've combined my numismatic interests with bullion collecting, with the result that I have date runs of sovereigns and half sovereigns back to 1900 (London Mint only). For the most part those coins were bought for well under the present price, although a few were slightly more costly when the price was around £1000 per ounce. I see these as a hedge against financial troubles in the world and a useful bargaining tool should the worst ever happen.

No you haven't put me off. I am here to learn, so please keep teaching. I still like the coin, hopefully I can look after it and enjoy it for a few more years.