VickySilver

I was looking for some references and knew they had a site, but this may be of interest to some. It is mainly pictures with bare descriptions so that is a bit limiting. Also, when I looked up the 1920 date (because the site would not take more info on the search section), I was looking for information on transitional patterns like the "duck-tailed milling" silver coins. I think I found them but they are not identified as patterns and had to mainly pick this out from the pictured details. Much of Bull could probably be updated from this and other pages, but wish a bit more ID had been done as they have some very rare coins that I have NEVER seen in commercial channels. There were some errors too (ie the incorrect ID of the 1926 Wood Pattern Reverse MODEL Half crown). Anyway, do have a look....

Braggadocio: Sir, I do not think you understand how, or if you care, what you say is received by others which contrary to what you've said do come off as "boastful" (your word choice). There are likely people with collections that are on a similar level that do not enunciate such and yet are quite open in providing data, insight or opinions contributory to other members. Many also are of humble or lesser economic means but some not, yet no proclamations of such. Also, you will note that many including myself did give you praise & only suggested moderation in commentary is the choice many of us make - with the occasional disagreement displayed. And again, many including myself have praised the positive in what you have shared with the rest of us. You may recall that the current USA president has often criticized those of varied opinions to his own as somehow lesser or not intelligent, etc. In any case, Viva la Difference!

True, but interestingly skill, luck and stamina do reward the financially less buoyant. Seeming to get harder with the passing of the years though. I remember once thinking Norweb was perhaps the best collector of more recent Brit issues and esp. of 19th and 20th Century coins. One could occasionally find better specimens of some coins that she had but not overall. Still it was enjoyable to occasionally pip those with pecuniary advantage. I suppose what annoys some is the braggadocio bit, though that does not diminish the achievement.

Don't think he has a shallow pocket regardless. Many will remember Colin Adams and his domination of pennies, and to some extent, half crowns 20-25 years ago. He did not make many proclamations as I recall. As was stated elsewhere in this post, he may well have the best penny collection but that not necessarily something to broadcast IMHO. Also, interestingly there were others that checked the just mentioned collector's ability to corner either denomination. However, I do congratulate Mr. Booth and as I have the chance will view his collection a bit more. The bigger issue is the domination of the modern market for rare coins by those blessed with generous resources and the squeezing out of those with more modest means.

Scary one at that. We don't often hear claims like that on these Boards but it might be interesting to see a photo montage of at least the highlights...There are definitely some stoppers in the Penny series.

All in with commissions, etc. was 2880 USD. I wonder what would be high or low for such a coin, and would it vary if sold at another venue such as in the UK.. Or is it an unloved series as I suspect. I would imagine that would be the case though I suspect that there could not be more than. a couple out there in total = RARE. This coin was not demonstrated to exist prior to this coin and no idea of the provenance.

Somehow I suspect the surfaces to be a bit nicer when seen in hand.

Several days ago, Heritage USA had a sale and in it was a specimen of the 1962 halfcrown in proof. I was rather astonished and had assumed it might not exist in commercial channels as I had never seen one on the market before, nor seen one period. Perhaps such coins escape much interest as they certainly are not gold or even silver; also currency versions are easily had. Anyway, just wondering if anyone has seen or heard of such before?? How about any other proof half crowns from 1963 to 1967? Heritage Auction 3122: Lot 34640 Coin graded proof cameo 63. I will see if I can post pictures in thread to follow.

Yes. I have tried to blow up the date and especially the last datal "2" which is usually slightly tilted and set downward from the other digits. Can't quite make it out on yours, so might you be good enough to blow it up to larger size? 1852 is considered a scarce, and at one time rare date. With the advent of the internet, it likely still is but many more have shown in the last couple of decades. Most are much better preserved than your specimen & so the wear on yours will tend to draw value down to likely the 50-75 Quid range most likely. I must confess I have never seen one so worn. M. Gouby has an internet site where you may look up further details as one example.

Weight seems good, the coin polished though I think your original photos appear to likely not represent the coin well. What I have sometimes done with NO risk is submerge such in dye-free ammonia for 5 or so minutes which will brighten it up but of course not oxidize it further; if you like the patina then by all means keep it as is.

Ah, interesting story there. My own father is going down to Alzheimer's and had a small box of coins and medals, mostly what I had given him over the years and now back to me. The best was NOT there, a medal from MACO (Medallic Art Co.) #113 by memory....I think "Escape" or something of that nature. I think I will slab the one gold Makarios of Cyprus sovereign with the rest to remain in box. I would keep these in box and of the sentiment that none are especially rare bits numismatically but think you'll appreciate the connection to gramps...

A mule would be as in the case of the 2002 proof 1/10 oz. Britannia proof with the obverse type head of 1998. Does anyone know the mintage of that little bit?

Yes, that was an entirely optimistic estimate IMHO as people are not enthralled with these at any price. Interested anecdotal piece that also IMHO is more of a 3k type coin.

I like this sort of toning on Vicky silver and suspect it may result from storage in a velvet-lined box or similar. Even years ago I could not afford "off year" Vicky silver proofs but did manage to get the proof florins of 1863 and a somewhat scruffy 1881; even the 1853 proofs are going a bit mad and they are not an off year. I suspect the currency 1863 in true mint state would go higher at auction than the proof.

BTW, this graded "62" at PCGS....

Rolled as in through the washing machine....Well known phenom. Also there is the method of "spooning" or tapping the edge.

I completely agree with you and feel they have done much to destroy the collector market and turn lovely Brit coins into “flippables” in the worst USA style. And lest there be protests I will stand on that assessment; I have seen vigorous defense of such marketing strategy - if you want to put it politely. Pointedly if and when the day comes will steer my collection away from such.

I noticed the VERY nice Cope I 1849 Penny will be up for bid at Heritage soon. That is a wonderful coin....I have an MS63 from Glens in the old days that is not quite as nice....

I realize insiders know, but wonder if indeed as has been stated that one collector vacuumed up the majority or a large number of the "better" pieces....I can not compete in these leagues [anymore] but at one time knew a bit more. An older and now non-entity nowadays! LOL.

I tried on the currency 1922/Rev 27 but the winner was too strong and appeared to be willing to go much higher....

Another 2000 Bahamas 7 piece mint set showed up on eBay & could not resist the "Best Offer" of 13.78 including post & handling. A truly rare set.

Uggh, I bid on that one and don 't know where it ended up but figured out the opposition was willing to go much higher and so dropped out at the end. I did end up with Gerald's 1869 that was a beauty....

Numismatica Ars Classica ???

I suppose that was his capping specimen - the 1954. I wonder what it might fetch?? I also wonder about the 1922 specimen penny and how it night go price wise.