TomGoodheart

I guess I could do this as a poll (if I could figure out how, that is) but it just occurred to me... how big is a 'collection'. Mine is around 55 coins (shillings from EdVii to 1970). This doesn't include another 20 or so shillings from around the commonwealth in any old grade just for completeness or the boxes of odds and ends that my Dad started collecting and I occasionally add to. And another thing (please accept my apologies for getting VERY much out of 'theme' here) - following the mythical rare 2p's - what happened to the 1988 £1 coin? That's the one with the crowned shield on the reverse. I haven't seen mintage figures but I've only ever picked up one in circulation. Is it rare? Hoarded? Anyone know?

Yeah. I now only buy on eBay from people who reply to questions and who offer a returns policy. I often ask for a photo to be emailed to me which can give you a better idea of grading. I guess there's a natural tendency when selling to see your coin through rose-tinted specs, after all we'd all like to get a good price, but there is a risk with eBay so I approach with a deal of suspicion. I also am suspicious of people who sell a lot of cookery books (or kilts, teapots or whatever) and then offer a high grade coin. I recently found two identical hammered Charles I shillings (now, how likely is that?) offered within weeks of eachother. The second seller said it was left by a relative and they had no knowledge of coins. I imagine that leaves you with little comeback since they haven't specified a grade, identified the coin or even suggested it isn't a counterfeit. The advantage of eBay? You get to see a pretty wide selection of coins and you get to see lots of photos which make a handy reference file!

Pebbles - same as for coins - they look nice. Banks - Barclays and NatWest charge around £20 a year and then £5 each time you 'inspect' your box - note that few banks now offer an actual safety deposit 'box' - most just hold a locking container you provide yourself (such as a briefcase) within their vault for you. 'Nother thing about the Hartbergers - you can get trays for coinholders so you can store coins of different sizes together and rearrange them as you wish. I am coming around to the idea of the Nichols however, what's the point of coins if you cant handle them sometimes

I started collecting Shillings originally, intending to get the first issue of each reign. I have partly succeded but I have recently switched to hammered leaving a gap in the Stewarts. (Course I got the recent cheap stuff haven't I ?) I first thought I would collect shillings and their equivalents from the Tudor period (thus including Scottish Irish variants, French testons etc) but have recently become 'distracted' by Charles I. Thus at present I am concentrating on good type variations from between 1549 to 1649. Anyone got any 'Declaration' shillings?

Hmm.... I think I am the odd one out here. I use the Hartberger plastic coin holders. They're like the white card ones, 5cm square but made out of blue placcy. You fold them which sandwiches the coin so it show out a window. I like them because... you aren't actually touching the coin but can see both sides, when some dolt inevitably drops one they are protected and they are small and easily stored. I thought about the Nichols cabinets but am paranoid about theft. I cringe to think of my entire collection being whisked away in one convenient package. This is of coures a terrible shame because I'd love to display the coins in something which matches their artistry and value. And talking of security - does anyone else got to rediculous lengths - I store the stuff I'm no longer interested in at a bank (stupid really - the coins I like most are therefore the ones at home!) and use a PO box number but I'm still nervous! Ah well, I could always go back to collecting pebbles - nobody would steal them!

I started buying from a dealer in the next town but recently when I visited he's off at some show and there's no stock at all! Also from catalogues from dealers - I try to visit if possible to actually see the thing. Bought stuff off eBay recently with mixed results. One coin was slightly overgraded another frankly disappointing (eventually got my money back on that one) but most were fair coins for the price. I have seen an example of suspicious trading there though so I am a little cautious. I've bought from Spink directly a couple of times but never an auction. Hell- I'm addicted so I'd probably try most places but I'm getting picky about grades these days.