I like copper pennies, but i did not start collecting them until about 3 or 4 years ago. I have some bronze pennies, but i don't collect them as much as the coppers.
This is a very interesting subject. I would say that the buyer should pay Richard, as he got a refund when the coin did not turn up. He now has the coin and has effectively not paid for it.
I would like an 1897 F148 as well, in a decent grade. I do have an 1856 OT, though not for sale. So I have signed up for the newsletter now. Thanks for mentioning it.