Peter

You forgot the other 3 zeros on that £50 sum Peter Yes so true £50.00 & 50p

Don't wrap yourself up too tightly otherwise you will never buy a coin.Go out there and make a few mistakes...it's part of the fun. What Peter means is that he has a few mistakes to sell you if you're interested Then if you're still interested, I have a few mistakes for sale also Oh so true. Another little tip.When at coin fairs lighting is sometimes crap.Make sure your glass has LED light....or eat plenty of carrots

Don't wrap yourself up too tightly otherwise you will never buy a coin.Go out there and make a few mistakes...it's part of the fun.

Interesting thoughts. Both MR & MRS Peter have frozen their private pensions and chipping away at visible funds...we have both been caught in the trap of not being able to claim state pension for an extra 3 years. Presently you can take 25% of your pension lump sum tax free...I say (presently) as annuities tumble. It will be interesting to see how this weekends London Coin auction goes and Spinks at the end of the month....I will be armed with my £50 of spare cash

It was nearly joined by another ....but I've got my eye on a couple in London Coins auction this weekend.

Hi Clive I've just ordered an Aethelred 11.

That is a £100+ coin....wanna job?

You're rather jumping to conclusions with the "grandfather" reference Peter! Can't argue with the rest of your good advice though ???? Peck is it me or you being Whhooooosssshhhed? The grandfather collected the coins.

When I was researching my 'Bronze' book, I came across references to these being in both the 'Martini' and 'Heinz' packs, but not the Royal Mint Uncirculated sets, so I would say this isn't especially unique or rare within its own population of rarity, if you see what I mean. Last time I saw one was at a cost of around £800, so £3400 looks like a total ramp - it's not even as though they are especially sought after, since decimal isn't on most collectors radar. For many collectors on limited budgets, decimal is an easy series to go for, but then they are not likely to spend this kind of money. For the wealthier collector, there are better things to spend £3400 on - like a 1934 crown, or something really nice from the 17th/18th Century. That probably leaves a limited number of collectors, who 'must have' every type of every denoimination and they might be willing to spend this much on what is a very mundane coin. I'll be surprised if it goes. I will second that Dave. I bought the 1984 & 1988 BU currency sets to get the 1/2p & £1...these were cheap and have gone to the back of the cupboard and haven't been seen since.

I thought Heinz

Buy a few denominations in various grades from reliable dealers. Each series has it's weak and strong points. Stains,carbon spots and edge knocks etc need to be taken into consideration and can easily knock a coins value down by a couple of grades.Equally a coin with eye appeal will increase its value. Look out for cleaning,dipping,hairlines on coins....all these effect value. Regardless of grade I only buy what I really like. NOTE;Not all dealers grade the same.It is not an exact science.

The modern "collectors" coins will 99% of the time trade at bullion. There are far too many people buying them today and being scammed for the future. Your grandfathers coins have done quite well due to bullion increases. These would of been purchased at huge premiums at the time though

As and when you require info let the forum know.There are google books (out of print books on DVD's)web sites. Advice and help is free

A respected seller. As long as it is the correct weight...bit expensive though

I saw that on faeces book

It's really weird. Back in the 60s, and probably for a time after that, stamps put coins right in the shade as a minority hobby. Yet now it has reversed completely, and stamps are almost nowhere. Anyone got any idea why that happened ? It is like comparing oil paintings by a master to a pencil sketch.

Do you have a library system in the US? I tended to loan the books before I bought. I have built up my books over the years as interests in area's grew. Some I rarely use but others I could not resist (Montagu). I think you have basis of a nice reference section. When you need another book you will know.

Clive I just visited your site and was warned away.

There sure is! I just identified a 1902 penny with a low tide too, tons to learn, but already enjoying my new hobby. that's a bloody good find in a box like that...well done! Shame it is not in better condition... I would noob grade it... Almost Pants! Hey, you just invented a new grade - P You been peeking at my collection?? Collection of pants?

Dons his Brodie helmet and retreats to under the table.

Agreed - and being published annually, it's more up to date too. Under a fiver on amazon! I think I will get a copy. Does anyone know what the release date will be for the 2012 edition? Save me buying two if its out soon. Chris Perkins the owner of this site can only tell you that. I can't see a 2012 edition coming out this year....but I'm sure Chris will confirm. The information on rarities and key dates won't change.

Tony Claydon's site is useful but is no substitute for Collectors coins Great Britain.This on sale on Amazon UK & COM. There are far more varieties listed and useful information....It is also cheap as chips.

A few obvious farthings 1863,1874h with both G's over on the obverse,1875 large date and small date with NO H,1895 bun. I would also consider 1883,1892 & all reasonable Edward V11 (1914&15) are also quite rare as are lustred 1935 & 1938 Have a look at Colin's site Aboutfarthings or use collectors coins GB by Chris. Happy hunting

It isn't a rare coin.Even near perfect I wouldn't want to pay much more than £15.The mintage was massive.

If the picture is that bad and the obverse isn't shown...bells are ringing.