Gary D

Would have been available only on CD Chris.

Glad I could help with a couple of errors in 2006. Talking of re-prints, I was about to put out on pdf Freemans 2nd edition 1985 with a whole new chapter on the Brass 3d and a further chapter on recent bronze additions. It was all ready to hit ebay when it leaked out about the reprint. I thought that as secondhand copies are anywhere from £125-225 that I could clean up at about £20 a pop and at the same time put it within easy reach of the populace. I had been assured that I had done enough to avoid copy right issues. But now Freeman is reprinting I guess thats scuppered it. Mind you if any one would happen to pm....

Rarity is very subjective. Freeman, Peck and Rayner all try and specify rarity but at the end of the day it is largely finger in the air guess work. Sometimes rarity is only applied to the number of coin thought to exist in top grade. According to Rayner Extremely rare is the 5th grade down from the top and doesn't even specify a number other than it is greater than 20. I also suspect that often these rarity figures are under estemates. Take the 1921 penny with the 1927 reverse. It is probably as well known in coin collecting circles as the 1933 penny. In the last 12 months there have been at least a couple on ebay and in the last 6 months two at London Coins auction and this is with a supposed total number in existance of only 6 - 15 coins.

I went to the London coins auction last weekend and it was very quiet. Most lots seemed to be going for below estimate.

The only time I have emailed the Royal Mint which was quite recently Mr Clancy replied within a couple of days.

The left and middle are the same coin, so is the consensus that there are only 2 varieties and not 3 as implied in your book Chris?

Now I'm getting confused. Freeman quotes the usual two types. The Normal, top curves down and points to the ball foot. The open probably caused by a blocked die, no ball foot and tip of top curve missing. Chris quotes a third 'closed 3' and now there is a closed 3 no sea behind left of britannia

I've got the 1985 2nd edition. Gary

I,ve just been looking at the vickie pennies on page 27 and am I correct in thinking that most of the freeman numbers don't match the Revs. Should it be 6B 1A 13D 14E 10D 15D 16D & 17D or am I missing something. Also the notes at the bottom should they read Rev.B Rev.A for the 1st two. On page 39, threepences 1952 should be Peck 2398. Page 83, 1955 = P2495, 1956 = P2497, 1957 = P2499, 1958 = P2501, 1959 = P2501B, 1960 + P2501D, 1961 = P2501F, 1962 = P2501H & 1963 = P2501J Finally, for the 1903 penny you quote a 'closed 3' could you elaborate on the description. What should I be looking for. Gary

I see burdale2 won a few, funny he didn't leave or receive any feedback.

I had a menai bridge recently, it was a very weak strike and sort of odd looking, no at all attractive. In hind sight I suspect it was likely a fake.

This is another one, a seller with no feedback, two buyers fighting over it neither have bought any coins or even collectables before. It was reported as possible shill bidding but nothing happenned. Just waiting now to see if any feedback appears although I boubt it. ebay

Oh, the embarressment.

That looks about right to me.

Thanks Rob, I found the Colin Cooke thread. There's me thinking " that's another gap in the collection filled" and two more open. Looking at the coin closely it looks to be the very rare 7 to left of bead as it doesn't truly appear to be 7 to gap. It is definitely blunt but not to bead. I still go for left of bead. I've attached another picture so please give me your opinions.

This batered example arrived today. Freeman and Spink don't mention it, not even CCGB so it must count as unlisted

When I started collecting back in about 1970 I brought a book called "Picture guide to coin condition" by Burton Hobson. Although a bit limited it goes through various coins showing were they wear and the amount of wear in each grade. I don't know if it's still available. Updating it could be an ideal project for Chris

This is a question for Chris, but if anyone else knows the answer please don't be shy. In CCGB 2006 there is a note regarding the 1937 3d. It would appear that there are two varieties which depend on the spacing of the word Three to the rim. Is there any more information about this i.e. discription of how the distinguish them apart or better still pictures the the two types. Many thanks Gary

Just picked this up on CU Look

Another ebay virgin, virgin on the ridiculous that is. ebay

Hi, for 1911 both a proof and normal maundy sey are listed. As normal maundy sets are usually proof-like how can one tell the difference between the two 1911 sets. Regards Gary

NARU finally

It could be a modern copy that is just filling a date gap. There are many fantasy coins on ebay, the 1933 penny for instance.

Mmmm, smell that fish. Interesting bidding pattern, Fitzwell1, paulinefitz, Fitzwell. Must be a scam going on somewhere. Paypal, significantly different than what was described in the listing. Surely paypal wouldn't fall for that.

I still think a photo is the best way forward here.