VickySilver

Nice work. My Apple does touchups that I don't trust! LOL. The left upright seems to possibly show with a dumbbell surmount.... What is the consensus, would it be possible to accept a specimen as no "H" if no trace is visible? I would logically think so even at the risk of alienating the "pigeonholers".

I can't make out definitively an "H" or residua in the two pictures. I will try to find pictures if I can.

Peck, I have in the past seen a couple of specimens in VF(ish) condition that had absolutely no sign of "H", even under 5x magnification. To find even the anointed type in VF is as you know a very rare occurrence.

You know, that is dogma, but I really am not all that sure of it - However, I must bow to the true experts here. Personally I do not understand why another die or set of dies might not have been employed for a few. Also, in that there are very "weak H" coins out there would it not be possible that there are some where there is absolutely no sign even under magnification of an "H"? As readers know, this is precisely what happened with some of the 1922 D cents from the USA where there were weak and then also absent mint marks that are collected as 1922 "Plain" specimens....

Yes, I like those 1918KN coins and hard to pick if I had to. I want to find a 1919H that looks as good - LOL. I would think the MS64 Jub. 1893 6d would be a good deal scarcer than virtually any of the gold [crazies] as well....

Spink is interesting, but IMO mostly not in a good way these days. Still, one has to watch their offerings as occasionally something can be had quite reasonably as you have pointed out with excellent examples. Believe it or not, occasionally Heritage can be a source if you keep "your eyes peeled". I believe my 192A was the same coin that had been sold somewhat earlier for nearly twice as much. Overall, very hard to find much in the way of bargains these days but entertaining to look. I guess compared to proof or high grade gold, some of the pennies and small silver have relatively escaped. In the latter series, a coin such as the 1893 Jub. 6d in top condition probably would not go for great money even though vastly scarcer than the Una gold....

Mine (I found) was ex-Spink 62 sale and slabbed NGC ex-Waterbird. Graded VG10, possibly under graded IMO. No spot there....That was a sneaky steal that I had no right to come away with by recall....LOL

Hah, now I have to remember where it even is! I will check and hopefully find it later today. LOL

Was that the one I purchased (I think mine cost a bit more though)? I forgot the date and venue.....Is dementia around the corner? I hope not...

And only 99p for a 1933 mint set less the crown!

Let's not go there with the Indian system of Annas, etc. in addition to the aforementioned rupees....

Yay, team. Maybe so??

Richard, was that you that secured the Jackson 1882? He really had some lovely coins (I got his 1869 that was quite wonderful).

Yes, I believe the American market for quality is in effect for many Brit coins, including the 1912 HC. I am getting progressively blown apart at auction and purchases are becoming fewer and farther apart sadly.

That date has been on "wakeup" recently and has possibly outstripped the other 1911 and 1913 dates. I am still shocked at the off-metal 1960 3d as I have some slabbed PCGS MS64s from 1964 and 1966 plus an MS61 1960 halfpenny struck in ALUMINUM. These each were about 250USD....

Well, I got nada but found some things interesting. First: George V silver is nearly dead and saw a (?) VF 1936 Wreath go for about 160. Many others did terribly - I did not see these in hand but some of the early 20s florins and HCs are pretty tough when well struck and attractive unmeshed with. Second: I was surprised at the OMS (off metal strike) 1960 3d going for 600 pounds plus the "juice" as it was rather worn down to Fine or so. I got three mint state OMS 3ds from the 60s for about 300 USD apiece from Heritage of all places a couple of years ago, slabbed at that........ Third: Maybe just me but prices seemed relatively soft overall.

Hmm, nice and haven't seen that one before. Wonder how many actually made it out to collectors - as opposed to how many minted...

And that has been the thrust behind this column & quite agree. Also, surprisingly beautiful on occasion as well....I would encourage readers to post like coins either in this post or to start new ones...

Peck, I think the thing is that besides it just being quite rare is the type of collecting in this modern age (if you will). Coins that we used to collect without much thought to cost are many times prohibitive now - I have gotten in the last 5 years maybe 6-8 coins in the late milled pre-decimal silver and copper series. I just can not "hang" with the buyers. On the other hand, I have always liked the Caribbean and used to live in Cyprus as a child so like some of the Br. colonial and commonwealth coins. As it turns out, some struck by the Franklin Mint were of awesome quality and a few actually released to circulation, so.... Beauty and rarity on them. After the phasing down of operations at the FM, the Royal Mint took over [with varying degrees of success or failure] some of the contracts. In a few cases they appear to have utilised FM dies, and on others continued series and denominations of their own design. Quite honestly, these are IMHO much more interesting that modern Brit or USA coins. Also, as with the case of the Trinidad and Tobago 1984FM 50c currency, it was hard to beat the combination of beauty, rarity and price ($3.59 incl. shipping) - this coin is close to unique although a few may be languishing here or there. Retrospectively, these are much more pleasing than almost ANY of my classical Vicky pieces.

Ah, I looked at this coin and actually it is the matte but just not as clearly so as my other example. As a postscript I have noticed that on [rare] occasion, Franklin Mint rarities such as the 1975FM matte 20 Balboas or later 1983 and 1984 FM Specimen unc. sets will show up in Central Europe, Netherlands and Denmark. Perhaps they advertised there in the 1970s and 1980s? Yield rate as far as finds has really petered out of late, wish there were some others of like interest that I might trade info. or coins possibly with.

I agree, an excellent result! The cardboard hard to do much with sadly and just not so attractive in any case (my Derwent Wood case).

Nice set, really a good one. I still do not understand how what are likely the top sets would not get this box.

Sorry phone only allows 1 photo total will try later

Here are a couple of florin obverses from 1848-1852 (sorry no 1851!):

But what is your opinion on the beading and the designs at the edge of the gown? My issue with the neck is that there appear to be some deeper "gouges" that then appear to have the parallel lines of ?abrasion OVER the surface of them. Rob is my man, but this is a coin that I would have to hold on. Will check my own 1852s....