Coys55

Which thread?

Surely this can't be right? https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Unknown-Silver-Hammered-Coin-Siege-Sixpence-/202162280662?_trksid=p2047675.l2557&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&nma=true&si=cyIk3RCFUkJQGtK0GeKStqTfe0A%253D&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc It's not my area of expertise, but I can't believe this "unknown silver coin" is really a (Scarbrorough?) sixpence, More than one person believed in it to bid it up to £460 though...

Yes, that's the one; I thought it was probably yours as they don't come up very often, especially on eBay. I spent ages searching for one and eventually called Spink's Numismatic book department and amazingly they had a new copy in stock for £75. The Austin is amazing; effectively a new moneyer given that Mass didn't know what his example was, athough it's no longer unique... I was pleased to pick up the class 2, and for what I thought to be a bargain £42; I don't think anyone else spotted it as a class 2. I can't remember seeing another for ages.

I use my Mass all of the time (I got mine new from Spink 3 or 4 years ago and saw a used copy go on eBay for £102 a few weeks ago) and Wren is OK for a quick mint/moneyer/class check, but otherwise it's too basic. I also use Brand's BNJ paper "The Short Cross Coins Of Rhuddlan" whenever I pick up another Rhuddlan. I'll try to pick up a copy of Short Cross Legends after Xmas - thanks for the recommendation. I didn't see the Austin, but speaking of Mass, I picked up this example of Mass 704 (Class 2 Sitivene on L) in 2013. Like Mass's example it's on a misshapen flan, but mines shows that his example was missing a distinguishing extra floating stop over the L. Not the best condition, but my only class 2 and nice to be able to add something to a Mass example.

I think I saw that Chichester too. Do you have a copy of Mass? I do and find it invaluable, by far the best coin book I own. I also own three of the actual coins from his collection (# 574, 1241 & 1275)

Yes, I specoialise in Short cross and have around 100 at the moment. Probably around half are cut halves, which I only buy if they are cheap, in good condition and I can identify the mint and moneyer. I have picked up examples from the rarer mints that way, such as Carlisle, Worcester, Rochester and Wilton and of course Rhuddlan. I have quite a few voided long cross (Henry III) and long cross pennies (Edward I-III) too and some other hammered pieces from various kings, a few groats and some Commowealth pieces. Oh, and I have a collection of milled crowns too.

Nice example. I always keep my eye out for Rhuddlan cuts in unresearched job lots on eBay; you'd be surprised how many there are out there. I now have 17 (12 halves and 5 quarters) covering all Rhuddlan moneyers. I must have missed that one though!