HistoricCoinage

Looks like you've been outbid...

Terrible.

Alex Salmond to replace the Queen on new Scottish pound coin http://bit.ly/1msi1B2

This was loose in your 5kg of coins? If an example did, that's not the actual picture of it...

Not disputing that at all, Dave, merely pointing out an issue with your statement of astronomical fees. I've had bad buyers in the past but took action against them and have a lengthy blocked bidder list. I tend to sell modern sets, gold and bullion on eBay nowadays because I wouldn't risk any of my high value hammereds on that site - I'm much safer on my own website.

I wholly agree. Looking at the pieces I've purchased for my core collection over the past 6 years or so, so very few have come from eBay. I get the occasional rarity that's slipped under the radar, or another upgrade for my Henry III Longcross collection but it's not where I shop for quality Saxon and Norman - there are rare Saxon pieces on there but they're typically overpriced or very badly damaged. I also find the miscategorisation by sellers incredulously annoying! Seeing modern brass tat in the Saxon section is somewhat tiresome nowadays.

Let's assume that I hypothetically list a coin at 99p and it sells for £100, I also offer freepost. I'd pay 9p in listing fees and then £8.69 in final value fees, totalling £8.78. I'd then pay 20p + 3.4% PayPal fees bringing the total costs thus far to £12.38. Now let's go to Spink where the absolute minimum for commission is £10 with other houses charging up to 15% or thereabouts. Whilst it's true you might get a slightly higher price you also have to factor in the buyer's commission, as they will typically bid less knowing they've got to fork out an extra 15%. So I can understand the widespread and prolific eBay-bashing that takes place on this forum but I can also see why those looking for realistic, immediate release of capital or looking to pass off 'dross' will use it. Its fees are not astronomical when compared to generic coin auction houses, they have a huge captive audience for less-valuable pieces and it can be much, much quicker than selling elsewhere.

Edit: Link.

Guilty.

I remember the days when you could buy inexpensive bulk lots of hammered silver off eBay, those were the days and I thoroughly enjoyed the research. Best of luck with your lot, Rich, and I look forward to seeing what you find.

Another one I read today: I was looking in a music shop and saw a set of bagpipes, "Look dear", I said to my wife, "they remind me of you." "Why?" She replied, "is it because I'm Scottish?" "No, " I said, "it's because they're mis-shapen, full of wind and sound f***ing horrible".

It's rare because it's a mule, no?

This is incredible!

LC's description doesn't seem to add up, somehow... "Proof ESC 247 UNC" - is that meant to be two grades, or the strike and then a mention that it wasn't circulated?

£3,000 if it's this one: http://londoncoins.co.uk/?page=Pastresults&auc=144&searchlot=1357&searchtype=2

Also, bear in mind that it hasn't sold for £4,500 and so that is Chris Taylor's opinion on its value.

I had Windows ME for a while, it was...interesting. Give me back my Commodore Amiga any day!

I had the option of going to 8 but remained with 7. I'd highly recommend it.

Stuart will be interested to learn that.

I'm in Surrey and haven't found anything of the sort. I can suggest, however, that a visit to the London Coin Fair or the Bloomsbury Coin Fair might be suitable as many dealers have 'bargain trays' that cause a flurry of activity just after the doors open. Congratulations on the 100,000th post and enjoy Chris' coins.

Sorry, Paul. My bad! On a related note, I read this about a lawsuit involving competition/anti-trust against eBay and TPGs hogging the market. "Universal Grading Service (UGS) was a nascent New Jersey-based grading service decided to file an antitrust suit eBay, the American Numismatic Association, then ANA President Barry Stuppler, and PNG claiming that the rules are preventing them from competing in the market. Their claim was that coins in their holders were allegedly banned by eBay claiming that by using the study, eBay was in collusion with the ANA and PNG to prevent them from participating in the market, an alleged violation of the Sherman Antitrust Act."

I don't know whether it's just me, but does anyone else find this seller's terminology a little...unsettling? http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Unmolested-1906-Edward-VII-Four-Coin-Maundy-Money-Set-In-Original-Case-/261428196555?pt=UK_Coins_BritishMilled_RL&hash=item3cde55b4cb

Wrong Spielberg film, Peter was in the one where he had to sit in the front basket of a bicycle with the Mrs cycling.

Was it a duel between you and the speedo or you and the caravans?