Geordie582

If enough investors have their fingers burned with the fakes, do you think there is a possibility of a backlash against slabs - or am I just wishing?

Some Victorian collectors wanted to make sure no-one else could use their coin, hence this example. What mentality produced this is a puzzle

Below the chin and between the two wedges of the cloak is the impression of a pearl necklace with a pendant. Faint, I know, but appears on all photographs whatever the angle of lighting used!

Lets have a discussion on this Berwick coin, just to keep things going. A close-up Do you think this is Edward II who is more likely to 'dress up' than Fierce Eddy one?

Thanks for that Scottishmoney! Now I can finalise my catalogue entry (without the question marks)

With a strong Magnifier and tilting the coin in various ways, I managed to make out CAROLUS on the 'moon' side. So Charles seems to be the issuer and a two pence the value but intriguing non the less.

While you're all on things Scottish, What is your opinion of this coin. I've been told, variously, that it is a half merk, a bawbee and a two pence. One side is almost flat. but the specs are - Diameter 14.8mm Weight 1gm.

I suppose Class 5b fits the bill more than the other classes, though the lack of pellets in the curls and the vertical sceptre are differences. Not to worry, though as there are a multitude of minor variations in all Classes and cause much argument between numismatists. Plus the fact that many moneyers placed 'secret' marks on coins, an extra pellet here or the lack of some part of the design there. It's the reason many numismatists choose English Hammered! Oh! Yes! The term 'circular' just means shaped like an 'O'

I must admit the portrait does not fit readily into catalogued coins, but I'll stick my neck out and guess it's a version of John Class 5, but most of that class have only Two curls per side. Oh! Yes! and the moneyer is ABEL ON LVND (Abel of London)

I'd tend to agree! The obverse doesn't really fit the usual neatness. Look at the initial cross - someone was definitely either cross-eyed or drunk!

No! But some hide from my Satnav

I wont be active for the next 14 days or so. Holidaying in Shropshire, chasing castles there and in Wales!

I chose FVLKE as the only listed 'F' in Coincraft. I suppose it could be an 'E' then we are in a bind! There are no moneyers listed starting with 'E'! It could be an unlisted gentleman (or is that illegal these days - I should have said 'person', though I don't think there is any evidence for femail moneyers in the 12th century) Oh! By the way. I suppose I'll have to be Richard I now we have another Richard on the site(I always did admire the man!)

I read today that there is no value imprinted on the coins. Is this true - and if so, which spotty herbert thought of that?

Given that I'm sure it is a John Class 5b, the only moneyer that fits the visible letters would be FULKE ON LVND (London). Clive might disagree! The 'S' is also unusual.

Perhaps this will help?

I did know of the other variations in the saying, Stechlin, but the one I use used to be added to the bottom of exam answers in the RAF (providing that you could rely on the humour of the examiner!!!)

Idon't think that's any where near Tom! The face is round and there is no III in the legend. And so it goes on!

It's a poser! The only difference Coincraft shows between 5A & 5B are a filled in eye!!! The text claims that 5B has a narrower face but, even with a ruler, their examples are identical. Your coin shows the 'filled-in' eye but that may be wear. However Spinks seperates the two with A having a ball tail to the R and B having a wedge tail. On this division, your coin appears to be the latter, 5B. You pays your money and takes your choice! So I doubt you will ever be absolutely certain!

The only reference I can find is for a silver coin. Obverse CORNELIA SUPERA Wife of Aemilian circa 253AD Reverse VESTA Noted byRichard Plant in his 'Roman Silver Coins' as very rare and expensive. BUT Your coin looks bronze, which makes it a copy of some sort. Probably a petrol station give-a-way!

Oh! Dear! As an avid anti-euroist, I'm very afraid this will change me to "Let's join the Euro ----PLEASE" I'm now regretting collecting all the decimal series British coins. Ah! Well! Back to my beloved hammered.

It's not the loss of the queens head I'd be bothered with - it's what this mob would replace it with!

You mean something like this?

As a Daily Mail reader (I find all other tabloids frivolous and the broadsheets pompous - and I find the puzzles entertaining), and a fervent believer in protecting what little we have left of 'Britishness', I would just like to say - it would be nice if our lords & masters thought to do what the populace want - just for a change!

I'm afraid I'm a bit staid in bidding. I see a coin, decide how much I can afford (not necessarily how much it's worth) and leave it at that. If I don't get an e-mail saying I've won, then I just try to forget it (not always easy!)