hibernianscribe

So to add to my last, if you are going to become a detectorist, a good, second-hand machine is probably the best option to take for starters. Also try to join a local club and get to learn the 'craft' from experienced diggers. Unfortunately, most if not all the clubs have waiting lists so if you want to start the hobby, apply to a club soonest. However, I do not recommend digging with an online outfit called 'Lets Go Digging'. There have been serious issues with this organisation regarding flouting of Portable Antiquity Scheme regulations. There is still a powerful lobby in the archeological fraternity that is against metal detectorists and if abuse of the regulations carries on, it could spoil it for everyone and cause much more stringent anti-metal-detection legislation to further protect archeological sites, or at worst a ban on hobby detecting. We are fortunate in this country that the laws governing treasure are not too restrictive on the hobby but if the rules are abused this could all change. LGD certainly upset my local Finds Liaison Officer! Frank

Time and time again I've seen the best finds at my MD club are not dependent on the finding machine being the most expensive and hi-tech. While technology does obviously have an influence on success, in my view by far the most important factors are technique and ability to 'read the land'. About two years ago I 'upgraded' from a Teknetics T2 to an XP Deus and I can honestly say that with hindsight I was more successful with the older, more basic machine. Frank

I've often thought about this when contemplating 'unslabbing' mine but I would certainly decide against any form of impact damage. My (so far unproven) methodology would be to use a mini hacksaw along each edge, well-clear of the coin in the centre, and never in the direction of the coin. I reckon that should be pretty untraumatic for the contents and allow a successful extraction! Frank

I also agree with this sentiment. I am so irritated by this phenomena of 'slabbing' that in my view removes one of the fundamental pleasures of coin collecting. My own collection has a few slabs and I am constantly tempted to 'liberate' the contents to allow these coins to take their proper place in the cabinet with the rest. On-the-other-hand, with so many fakes nowadays, and while I know that my coins are genuine, slabs do provide a measure of assurance against this for rarer varieties and will do so particularly after I've fallen off my perch! For example, my own interest in siege-pieces and their propensity to be faked unfortunately makes me continue to keep those that are encapsulated in their Americanised 'state-of-captivity' (somewhat ironic for siege-pieces!). Frank

Hello Stevo, this is a nice, clean example of a 6th coinage sixpence (S2578B, N2015), bust 6C, mintmark tun. If I were buying this I would go up to around £150, but of course others might differ. Frank

It's cocky, supercilious crap!

I sent a message to the seller and got a very prompt reply back thanking me and saying he had been 'taken in'. He's pulling it.

Most definitely!

The item description is gobbledegook which could be an indicator of deception.

I sent the seller a message yesterday appealing to his honesty! Difficult to know whether he pulled it or whether eBay did it for him. Cannot believe eBay would be that quick though.

Me too!

Which are worse - English or Irish fartings I wonder? https://www.ebay.com/itm/Ireland-Farting-1760-XF/332649097793?_trkparms=aid%3D888007%26algo%3DDISC.MBE%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D50544%26meid%3Dafb27a20075144f8891d386ea97fa812%26pid%3D100009%26rk%3D1%26rkt%3D1%26sd%3D332620320923%26itm%3D332649097793&_trksid=p2047675.c100009.m1982

Thanks for that - point taken!

I'm no expert on these but it looks like ESC1488 - second bust with re-engraved hair. Mind you - this seller seems very popular: of his 24 items for sale that include very ordinary and some mediocre, he has bids for each one - remarkable! Frank

Quite a pleasing coin, especially if you picked it up cheap!

That's a nice coin Des!

I wonder what he means by "the photographs are for illustration purposes only". That's a pretty obvious statement! Perhaps he's hinting that you don't necessarily get what's in the picture. Anyway, reported. Frank

Yes I agree, I always send a message unless of course it's a known, habitual fraudster.

I sent the seller a message. Frank

Reported!

Good point Paddy

I did as well, eBay running true to form!

Thanks Kal, I've sent you a pm. Frank

While I agree with your sentiment albeit somewhat forthright, I disagree "to forget the rightful seller". The point I was making is that the 'rightful seller' is probably the only person that eBay will listen to, and even that is doubtful if they run 'true-to-form'! Frank

Hi Kal, Yes, this one and another Newark half crown I have unfortunately do not have any of these plate markings, but here's wishing I can get one eventually, so I'm on the lookout for a decent example. In my view these variations further add to the historical value of these pieces. Frank