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This all started with me making a straightforward query to Catawiki about provenance for a particular lot (a Newark ninepence) because I was concerned that the seller was based in Bulgaria. Of course, all of that has been discussed and it would seem that the Bulgarian connection was somewhat less than bona fide! Because my query to their coin expert Marcel Spijkerbosch was ignored I repeated it, but still no response. This silence was deafening as far as I am concerned and in the meantime the discussion about the Bulgarian connection and a first-hand account of how Catawiki might be "turning a blind eye" to counterfeits was posted. This lack of communication from Catawiki to me is all I need to decide never attempt to buy in those auctions again - I have lost confidence. This is different to the eBay situation since from the conversation about this in the eBay's Worst Offerings thread it would appear that Catawiki staff may well be consciously ignoring counterfeit lots being peddled through their auctions. The latest development on this has been that I responded to an email previously sent to me during December before all of this blew up. It was a request for feedback on Catawiki's customer service as I had previously made a query about another lot some time ago. This email was from the Manager of Customer Service - a Petra Hageman, and I saw this as an opportunity to enter into dialogue about the zero customer service I had received when making queries about provenance for a 'suspect' coin. Again absolutely no response and my message was sent a week ago. In my view this does not put Catawiki in a 'good light' at all! Of course, none of this is proven and there has been an element of speculation but it is enough, I think, for all to be warned to treat Catawiki auctions with extreme caution!

Unlike some coins originally touted as having >5 examples, this coin never seems to have become any more common, by fresh specimens being discovered. In the October 1984 Freeman auction booklet, the Freeman 19, which was in a lot (No 14), with an F18 and an F20, incredibly, remained unsold at the auction. Although perhaps not incredible at that time. Any rate, the one on offer on that occasion was described as "very worn but design discernible, one of two known specimens". Richard has a photo of one on his rarest pennies website, described as "held in a private collection (thought to be unique)" - although if the Freeman catalogue is to be believed, there is at least one more somewhere. Or has anybody come across others? Just curious as to why no further specimens of an F19 have ever come to light in all these years.

Thanks Stuart, that clinches it. Consider this query closed - only the "Crusader" coin to resolve now! Thanks again.

and a nice looking coin John wouldn't go anywhere near it with dip!

I based my classification on other features like the curls. Class 3 coins have pellets in the curls. This coin does not appear to have any pellets in the curls. Also the style of the V and S is characteristic of class 4a coins. Also the mint and moneyer confirms it as a 4a coin as that moneyer is only active at that mint from class 4a -4b. There is a Willelm on Nico active at Lincoln under Henry II in class 1b-1c but your coin does not have the characteristics of a coin of that class so it can be ruled out. Regards Stuart.

I find this a useful resource for Commonweath varieties: http://www.sunandanchor.com/html/data_page.html

Hi as the kings name reads EDW no, try Edward III post Treaty

Looks like a class 4a. Willelm on Noi probably. Either Northampton or Norwich mint.

Hi Mike . It was Bernie who supplied the photo of the F17 to Richard, so maybe he would know more about this penny. Terry

I have been collecting for many,many years and never had a coin graded. The value of your sovereign is £260 in VF and £300 in EF so grading seems a waste.You won't recover the cost of grading.Post a couple of decent pictures and the forum can grade it for you. Less than VF it will be BV.

Thanks Rob you really do know your stuff. The forum is lucky to have you around.

My latest unofficial farthings, very pleased with the Uxbridge school one, It's been on the wanted list for a very long time! The P & H is an upgrade for obvious reasons. While I'm posting these is there anybody else out there that collects unofficial farthings? I know the site is mainly for coins but it would be nice to hear from your out there