VickySilver

I didn't get those proof sets - the 1893 went for 55k plus commission!

Wow, sometimes you just "have that feeling", and I had a look around AGAIN and actually found a proof set! Originally this was to be of unlimited mintage and then dropped to 2500; subsequent to that the estimate is less than 50 sets. I think interest had waned in what is essentially a base-metal set and so a rarity was born. The significance is that there may be other sets of similar scarcity out there but since the RM is loathe to publish numbers of mintage or release, we have only anecdotal evidence. I don't understand why they are not forthcoming....

Ha, sounds good but what is the turnaround time? I hate to ask!!!

Is there an unbarred type of that specimen?

No, always good to learn and help. The colour did look to be silver plate. I had NICKEL plated that fooled me and did not get past NGC.

I have a 1922 of similar appearance that was silver plated. I actually scratched the edge which confirmed bronze colour beneath - but as has been said the weight would be the most important first measurement.

Ah yes, I suspected. Share pictures if you please...This was a great time and where I also formed the nucleus of my collection. There was the deaquisition of the Pretoria Mint coins that was shocking in its breadth and relatively low prices. I got the currency 1839 2/6 from Glens graded as EF only (the one seen on PCGS pops) - and now an honest MS64 for 2200! That was a big purchase at the time, but as they say find another...

Jaggy - coins DATED from the '80s and '90s? Or purchased then? Well, share pictures if you can. I certainly don't criticize spending more than others would for the right piece....

Nice rationale train there Jag.....I use similar myself, even as excuses to buy further coins to "cost average" downward. These are words of collectors, to be sure...BTW, the 48/7 went "63" at NGC.

This is one of those varietals that seems once discovered that people look for it and find more and more. I love 20th C. proof halfcrowns but haven't had interest in picking one up at the prices they supposedly have gone for.

These lower mint state coins on eBay can sometimes be quite the buy (not always though!) - I posted recently the 1848/6 shilling in MS61 that was a very nice win aaetheically.

Not sure if that is gold gold if you know what I mean. A lot more than 42 quid's worth of gold if it were actually that. I tend to think not; also, a lot of toning for gold.

That collection did not have any, just the early Vick proof groats went very high. I seem to recall some years ago one going for around 11k - and that was SOME years ago. I will stick to the "over" on the 15k.

Yes, I'd expect the 3d will go double or above that amount of estimate. Please see results from the recent DNW sale of late Vicky groats; my surprise is if it would go less than 15k.

Dip it, please! I don't think there is a lot to lose.

I never could quite sync up on this coin - when I did have the money (and they were a lot cheaper), none were available. And now 2 selling in such a short period. I guess this is Tyrant territory nowadays....

Yes, please keep us posted. I have an 1845 1/2 d that I am leaving alone (someone else had failed a cleaning test but it has retoned) but would like to practice!

I wonder if the Verdcare (sp?) would work. You've not much to lose. I wouldn't toss it until I had the replacement...LOL

Wow, that is interesting. Perhaps it had something to do with some of the experimentation about future coins and alloys that Rob mentioned about in his conversation with Graham Dyer? No obvious relevance that I can make out.

I have been trying to run down actual pictures of this set, or better yet the set itself, but have only been able to find the original Royal Mint pictures of the set and also the PL BU set. I am trying to find more information on this if anyone can be of help. Many thanks in advance if you are able!

I rather like Viking themed coins, and the Isle of Man has some albeit not always of the finest design or engraving. The question is about the KM182 Viking on Horse which is known in copper nickel. Some catalogues have listed this as also being struck in gold and platinum but I have NEVER seen these. Has anybody seen or know of any other details or specifics?

That's an interesting point as they use one characteristic to measure another - amount of reflectivity versus amount of frosting contrast on the devices! I believe I had seen reflection of a pencil used. I am really OK with the three basic designations of proof, cameo and deep cameo (or ultra). There no doubt is some quibbling about coins on the border. I have shown my own 1839 half crown that is deep cameo (but where I have issues about what the grade is designated), and that one is clear as is the Adams 1961 penny. A separate number for amount of contrasting would be fought just as hard. But most collectors know that this is all subjective, the number or frosting amount depends on the judgement of the viewer.

The 1854 florin is fairly nice and a legitimate VF, amongst the better seen.

Yes, referred to as "blanching". Most green oxidation such as Sword showed seems to have a PVC component and in my experience there is a good chance of removal with the blot method of acetone with the high nap white cotton towel.

My 1915 does not have that. It looks like not fully struck up and maybe grease on die or similar.