VickySilver

While I like these larger format crowns, I am not prepared to part with the funds for them and believe they are scarce but not rare. As an example I really like the 1839 half crowns in proof with the deep cameo contrast of the devices. I will try to post later an example (without stealing the topic of OP) with what I have termed "aluminum foil" appearance.

I suspect that in-hand there are fine hairlines which limits the grade although I agree with the aesthetics comment. I have about 3 or four of these, one got in original 1935 silver proof set, and they seem to have these; so does the incuse edge proof. Very hard to get any without these... Also, in looking at the KGV crowns including wreaths, it is IMHO that the evident marks on G's cheek are not post strike but rather the leftovers of what is not wonderful planchet prep (even the specimens and much rarer TRUE proofs show this).

I remember that SNC with great fondness as during the mid-90s to about '03 I bought some fabulous coins from it at real world prices, with some literally museum pieces that I probably have no business owning.....wonderful coins were still on the list by the time it made it over to the USA. DIdn't hurt to be on the pre-pub list as I got faxed some offers.. I tried to look up some coins for research purposes and as above get NOWHERE on their site. I suppose that the Newman Portal may have some info.

PM me email and I can get you better pictures - these are compressed. Good looking out, Gold Star for you Sir!

Yes, mine were bought at one of the Heritage weekly sales and were of superb quality. I agree with you entirely...

Thanks Poppa, Mine is not so nice....

Wow, who pays those prices? Maybe if it is stuck up there for that amount they take counteroffers? Yikes. those are decent enough coins worthy IMO of a premium but not of that magnitude. Perhaps a bit more than 200 pounds... I did pay a premium for the coppers by themselves: Proof 67* Cameo farthing, Proof67 Ultra-cameo 1/2d, Proof 67Ultra-cameo 1d These are absolutely superb coins that quality wise would certainly match VIP coins, although the penny is not of the "special" type.

Nick, wish my money was better right now but will definitely go on the one lot plus maybe one or two others...

I am trying to see, but these old eyes can't see a lot....I wasn't too keen about the initial SNC offering but the shilling has more differences (I can not find that one at the moment).

As they say in old Mexico: "Gracias amigo"! I don't believe the edges are filed, but can not be certain; see for example the. second photo of obverse. BTW, none of that toning on the coin, that is reflection of the mylar in the 2x2 & the apparent scratches are on the mylar and not the coin which is decent enough but no crazy cameo contrast.

Hi all, I believe Nick will post some pictures of the 1927 which I have sent to him...THis 1927 coin was posted in the April 1997 SNC and bought for nearly a song by today's standards. Supposedly a pattern and listed with a bevelled edge, I bought it along with a modest 1927 shilling pattern as well....See what you think and please comment.

I think they use acid to show semi-worn or softly struck dates on buffalo nickels - but think I'll have to forego on this one. Interestingly, I have a 1927 Crown that is a similar type of pattern, ex-Pretoria Mint, that has some edge differences and perhaps a couple of others, maybe I will try to find and post with a bit of help (I think an "update" on my iPhone has cost me the ability to post smaller pictures)....

LOL, I was trying to go quiet on the 1869 6d. I have one in PCGS62 but don't really like it much. Yours is MUCH better!

Buon chance! Will follow yours...

That was my thought. I could be wrong but the lettering on the obverse appears different. As example each of the letters on pattern appears a bit taller. The upper serif on the first "S" of SHILLINGS besides being larger looks to be more pronounced. Look also on the serifs and general shape of the second "S" on that part of the legend, etc.

Yes, but a nice one that. And see my commentary on the above post as well....

The reason I posted the farthing above is that even though it is not "VIP" standard, I must say I do not understand the reason for crazy prices for the later. This one in hand is much better and is IMO properly graded as Proof Ultra-cameo 67*. I still paid about 200 prorated for it as I got it as a grouping with the penny and halfpenny, all of which were exceptional for lack of marks and cameo contrast - the larger two got Ultra-cameo 67 and are beautiful but not VIP either. IMO, standard year "VIP" proofs other than the special penny of 1953 are not: 1 - readily identified separate from "normal" exceptional coins, with the exception of the special penny noted 2 - most assuredly NOT worth a premium over excellent "normal" coins I may not agree with the identification in the upcoming LC sale with the crown as "VIP", if that matters. Many "normal" proof coins of this year have excellent strike, and extreme cameo effect on obverse and reverse. I would argue that even if specially prepared, any differences are negligible.

Yes, that is the one. I believe the lettering is slightly different in font and spacing. For whatever reason, I can't add the image after I compress it (of the reverse, that is).

It looks that a note or figure was removed from the fields to the right of George.

Here is a pattern 1951 crown I got from Mark Rasmussen some 6-8 years ago. The main difference is in the lettering, but even the devices to obverse and reverse seem somewhat different, what do think? sorry I can’t get the reverse to load for some reason as I can’t compress it.

Here is an “ordinary” proof 1953 farthing although of decent quality:

Mine as well. Good to see you posting again.

LOL, must be bad weather up your way....I played with some nickel coins previously as there was some debate about the 1923 & 1924 pattern 3d and 1/- coins being only nickel (vs. copper-nickel) alloy. I suppose there is a threshold point as which increasing the copper in the alloy deters the magnetic property....

Quite, and this is the type of coin that is best appreciated by NOT being slabbed although the value might be hurt at sale. Glad to see Sword is evidently of similar opinion with regards to such.