Chris Perkins

The occurance of a mule is certainly rare, but there was another one, although not a circulation coin....the 1994 gold £2 coin with the BofE reverse and the wrong 'double sovereign' type obverse.

I offered someone £30 for one when it was a real unknown (also in the forum somewhere). Now it looks like there may be lots I'll abandon that offer and just look out for one.

It's listed in my book. I am always suspicious with inverted V's that they are simply A's with blocked crossbars. Especially Vic farthing obverses, the dies having already been half worn out by striking sovereigns.

Trust you to lower the tone

Good luck to you Scott, and hello after a long time away.

Initially, avoid new issues, especially those from obscure countries that most people haven't heard of (that also applies to the Royal Mint; even they are now far too commercial). To start with buy what you like the look of, i.e. a particular monarch or a particular denomination, or simply everything you like the look of. Get some books in order to learn as much as you can (see links above to my books on Amazon). And, as with gambling, only spend what you can afford to loose just in case and until you develop an eye. It is possible to pick up good things on ebay but 90% of what is offered is overgraded, overpriced rubbish being offered by private sellers that probably know less about the thing they are selling that you do! I have long since given up looking on ebay as trawling through the tosh is too time consuming.

That's a very tiny image. Does appear a bit yellower than it should be.

Another mule! Sounds like there may be a few of these. I'll offer you £30 for it right now (and take the risk that they may be fairly common).

Does it have any brass or copper colours coming through? Geo III halfcrowns were very widely forged (as were most Geo III coins) so it probably is a forgery.

Yes, definitely. Probably just for fun, but I've got older copper coins that have been hollowed so that you can hide a gold coin under. I notice it was an ebay item from the image, hope it wasn't expensive!

Yes it looks very much like a medallion. I'm sure whatever it commemorates is probably written on it.

It's probably either a fake sovereign (very unlikely because no one would be fooled by an underweight copper coin) or toy money or perhaps some kind of commemorative medallion for the coronation.

Got it.

When is Easter? I've done CCGB09 as you know. I've also done my tax return for the 3rd quarter so now I have time to turn my attention to the hotly awaited Grading book! I don't want to guarantee any publication date though because it depends on how many and how quickly a number of other people check it and give it their approval.

Tell you what. Call it £6.30 total. Anyone seeing this can send £6.30 via paypal to cp@predecimal.com for a 2009 CCGB (with an obvious subject line). I'll also put together a newsletter with the new book as it's main feature, that always shifts a few.

A First post! I remember when we used to also get a second post, everyday.

Yes, just about to email it. If you want to send a further £7.30 I'll get a printed 2009 edition to you.

Send £3.50 via paypal to cp@predecimal.com with an obvious subject and I'll send it in an email.

The 2009 edition will reach the warehouse in a couple of days. I could probably organise a copy to Jersey within a week or so. Email me your address details and I'll put it with the others. 2008 is available as an e-book but it'll take a little while for the 2009 version.

It's copper and not really commemorative, it would have been made to provide small change at a time when regal coppers were thin on the ground. Google 'Conder Tokens' or regional tokens and you'll probably find lots of info on similar contemporaries.

I've sold them like that without a hole for £100 before so £90 is pretty outrageous. I was going to say £20 too.

Against the law to receive coins? As an EU state now I can't really understand a reason for that. I know that some countries don't let you take or send coins out (Turkey for example). Eastern Europe is always a bit risky, but I tell you what....Italy can be worse!

Why not, because they are likely to get stolen? I've sent things to your neighbour Latvia and never had a problem.

Yes I agree. Low grade 1946 and 1949 3d's are pretty common, as are 1952 sixpences. Low grade H pennies are incredibly common, more so than the KN's. 1926 ME pennies and even 1902 low tide pennies are much harder to find, but not impossible especially in lower grades. All are pretty damned rare in high grades!

They are all dated 1967 so are unfortunately scrap bronze. 1967 is a very common year and no one would want so many for more than the metal value. Sorry.