VickySilver

Yes, that one had better look improved with in-hand inspection. At times they are puzzlers for sure, and given that there are some superb specimens out there of this date and denomination would be a "hard pass" as they say these days...

Weigh the 6d please.

Well, I just don't essentially trust Bitcoin or the other [IMHO] knockoffs as their basis for value seems questionable at best. That having been said, I suppose if you get in and out on a gamble you might make out. Just not for me, but more power (and prayer) to those that do.

Good pickup and always happy to see continued interest in the silver coinages! Diameters, sad to say, had escaped my notice other than the "Godless" florin did appear a bit smaller...

I will say that sometimes there is a loss of lustre. One method that works well also is the ammonia diluted with no dye. I have used it many silver and one of the very best for nickel or copper nickel coins....

Significantly MORE than I recently paid for an actual Record Proof 1958 halfcrown - I do see these coins as possibly worthy of a premium but as per above I can see maybe 250 for the 3d. I recall a 1946 Record Proof 3d going for about 600 pounds, but that was ~5 yrs ago. Also, on Heritage not long ago they sold a set of the three 1953 coppers in proof in grades that were by recall Ultra Cameo 67 for about 700 USD. I don't don't who is buying these coins as even I pass on these.

Hmmm, I would def. avoid ammonia on copper or copper alloy.

We call it "rubbing alcohol" (not suitable for drinking!) over on this side of the Pond. A decent solvent and one of the choices. I have really come along to liking ammonia with no dyes, etc. for copper nickel or even silver in its alloys and even gold - not that implying this choice is encycopaedic but only amongst the possibilities..

Yes, I have noticed this too and can catch you out with late night bidding, or if after a beverage or two....I sometimes lose the connection on the "refresh" though....

Yes, although the tricky side is the obverse. Don't get me started on the "H"s!

Wow, Richard, exceptional coin there for the comparo - can we see a quick shot of the obverse?

I agree, very impressive. Now if they could only pull of a '19H, I might be a buyer at Ali Baba prices! Oops, shouldn't have let that out....I am always unhappy with the 19H's... The obverse looks almost of the '26ME quality & treatment of hair detail....

That coin almost looks to be of electrum composition??

Should have redacted the addressee!

Finally the Royal Mint responded:

I second that. However, I have not concentrated on farthings despite having a couple (or two)...

Very bad iPhone picture through TPG perspex

Ah, in hand and really nice coin. Will try to share pictures later today....Now where the heck is the '59 proof?

Still no delivery & suspect customs which occasionally happens.

I have been happy with Coinery auctions but have only won a coin or two from them. I like their business model, but am limited by the offerings not being in my area. I recently made a substantial purchase at one of the major London auctions by a recognized firm - also unnamed - and paid about 30% in commission and fees which really substantially raised the price on a fairly expensive item. If I didn't "need" this piece I would have factored these costs and NOT bought the coin....

Thanks. I really stretched the budget for that one.

How about the 1945 proof brass 3d? I think went for 2400 or so? This is a VERY rare coin that I have not seen before. The 1955 halfcrown in proof very nice and think I know where it went...LOL.

Well, they finally took receipt of the coin on 17 Sept. and said 6-8 weeks - now 47 days. But who is counting?

This topic has been worked over before, and reluctantly I must agree that on some denominations (esp the penny!) the "VIP" status seems to be reflected in minor die differences. But the logic has in general IMHO not always been pristine and the RM also IMHO has not always used the same prep for proof or specimen sets and there are borderline coins that received some but not all the attention one usually expects on a proof of any description. A couple of years ago, I bought from Heritage 1953 1/4, 1/2 and 1 Penny coins that were all in Proof 67 Red Ultra Cameo. They were and are beautiful and although not matching the VIP coin die characteristics seem to have received some special treatment.Also I have an ex-Norweb Proof 64 1953 penny not of the VIP type but was sold to them as a "special striking". Other examples I could point out, certainly. A crown such as above in a "proof deep cameo or ultra cameo in 66 or 67" would be very hard to differentiate from a VIP at times and frankly the price paid for the above crown or half crown simply ridiculous. As a footnote, many of Bull's listings of "VIP proofs" from the 1940s are questionable as proofs from the off years would be VIPs with some perhaps having more cameo effect than others.