VickySilver

Thanks, then. I only wish I knew more as I believe there were also quite a few colonial patterns and proofs, but as my interests were not there did not follow them. Another juicy bit is that I recall on offer as one lot for 16+k quid: All of the matte proof sets listed with two of the smaller denomination gold patterns mentioned, the florin not. I'm not sure either if they had a gold pattern half crown.

Yes, but then they had all the gold pattern proof 3ds and 6ds, evidently at least one of the gold florin 1922 patterns, and then all the matte proof sets (1927, 1937, 1950, 1951 and 1953), examples of the nickel pattern 3ds and shillings of both dates, and many more. That is puzzling to me. Also, I think that Dolphin Coins had something to do with the dispersion of these and not sure if others know more. Bernie, very nice coin there!

Yes, that is what I thought. Might you be good enough to share a picture? The Pretoria Mint had a good number of coins that I just can not figure out how came into their possession. Many were let go for a song, possibly in a bulk purchase somewhere around 1990 or so with majority government rule. These were bits struck by the main Royal Mint branch but [to me] inexplicably found their way all the way to South Africa; many unknown from any other source. Why on Earth would the RM do such a thing. I wonder how much such a coin, the penny, go for at auction these days?

Speaking of pennies, does anyone know the fate of the specimen 1922 (rev. of 1927) other than the one ensconced in set? Bernie perhaps?

Ah yes. Nice Unc. with full struck lion's snout and decent obv. are available but IMO should get a bit more of a premium.. Oops, sorry to derail thread.

No surprise about the 1923. Thanks, Rob!

Ah, well, yes, an average set with no major problems other than the caveats. I don't think I can say the crown absolutely not ever cleaned, but at least not objectionably so. A rough and liberal math for value might be: crown 200, half crown 125, florin 125, shilling 75, 6d 75, maundy 160 (plus 20 for the extra). Think I would want another 125 off on price, what say Dave et al?

May we be boorish and ask price?

Harsh critics we are, but I agree. I am a bit leery of the colouring about the lettering on the crown - has this been cleaned with something leaving residue? I can't seem to blow these pictures up much to help. The florin reverse appears to have like lines running from 2-8 o'clock and the obv. bust perhaps having finger grease residue. Overall, from pictures appears to be about average and not exceptional but not awful...

Agreed. I think with the picture provided this is in the 350-375max range. That story brings back a favourite line from "Forrest Gump" (a must see IMO): "Run, Forrest, run!"

Yes, true. I do think that territorial gold US pieces are a bit like Brit Civil War coins somehow, but the prices usually quite stratospheric.

Can we get a weight? That might help a bit more and not too hard. Good luck on the Royal Mint inquiry as I have not had fortune with this before...

Yes, I was agreeing to that. This coin was otherwise superior, just that one little "but"! I try to get reliable representation to look at and bid on coins when I am not able.

Is that ever a shame. That would have to detract a third or so from the value & your bid. Nice to hold your horses on that one. Doesn't even look to be a carbon spot from the picture, frankly.

Proof without cameo contrast (so not an early strike presumably). Can not see hairlines so hard to guess grade. I think I may see a hint of such so will go "PCGS P63". Value, about 400-500 quid retail IMO. This does not appear to be the error edge variety...

Yes, as per MrT, the greatest likelihood is that you have a plated coin that was done with some sort of white metal - silver usually the most likely candidate. Specific gravity could check it, but even a weight to +/- 0.1 gm. would be good as well. Please do not scratch either the face obv. or reverse. I had a halfpenny and a penny gotten some while back that I scratched the edge of which revealed coppery colour &this would likely be a bit brassy.

Scarcer? Maybe so, but there still is the issue of demand. As an example, I would rate myself as borderline fanatical Vick silver collector and have NO INTEREST in a d--- box. Lots of things are rare, but who and how many interested? Obviously, the demand level is up so maybe this will chase out (and up) the supply. DNW had nil for me of any real interest. One thing might be interesting - what did the Churchill crown fetch (only semi- out of collar struck)?

Excellent there, Peck. The same is true of many Vick silver issues where the line between proof and currency is sometimes very, very difficult. Also, in some years where no certain proofs are known, there are specimens that appear to be better than just "early strikes". And please, let's not go there with the 3d maundy/currency problems...

Gerald Jackson? His coins were so very well chosen, and IMO much better than the pictures. I liked the 1869 and 1882 London - the latter the best I have seen not withstanding other comments on the board. The slabbed grades on some not so meaningful really. BTW, very nice 1871 there!

I also see striations under the exergue with discoloration in a concerning distribution. I am leaning toward PMD (post mint damage). Be nice to have an original undated coin. As an afterthought, the local University may have an SEM - scanning electron microscope that would really give great detail.

Well I think a lot has to do with silver content as well - Aussies were struck to sterling, and the homefront relegated to 0.500 which made for much harder planchet material. There was a lot of experimentation with alloy, some not too successful; the BM has some specimens of differing alloy composition if you should ever visit there.

The 1927 matte crown went 25k USD plus the juice! Yikes....I thought the 1827 shilling was a decent buy at 1250 USD, but not mine....

Not on this coin, but def. on some others. Many of the Gregory sale coppers were quite lovely (tho not all!).

Ha ha, yes, pirate a crappy web site. I have used phone bidding in the past, not always with success even at that even. But they occasionally get some decent coins being in an huge metropolitan area like Los Angeles (20 mill. plus people with over 300 cities "overrun"). The matte 20th C. pieces are going through the roof IMO & would have been interested but effectively blown out by the prices so far reached... Might still be a piece or two to venture out on, but quite an adventure as young Rob has been finding out...

Wow, verd is taking hold there....As a side note, I have noticed before that Baldwin's does not always do justice to their coins with less than average photographs. Not like some of the other "glitzy" auction houses where the coin you receive does not seem to measure up to the picture.