1949threepence

I see it's noted as a Freeman 827, and he has them as R16 (51 to 100 specimens believed to exist). That's from page 190 of his book "The Bronze Coinage of Great Britain" - 1985 edition.

In fact there is no such postcode. There's a BL7 but not an 8LD. There's a Walwyn Close in Trafford, but that's M32. It's obviously a made up address.

Really nice issue free coin, pretty much flawless in fact, apart from a small minor L shape by the Queen's mouth, which doesn't detract. I always think the F18 is somewhat scarcer than the R13 Freeman ascribes to it. A similar looking one of slightly inferior grade, went for £300 hammer at the June 2017 LCA (lot 2850).

Actually, I disagree. The seller's get out clause is in his description, particularly the bit in bold:- He could argue that in his subjective opinion it is very high grade, but that the onus was on the buyer to decide whether in fact that was the case, based on the pics. It all depends on how you define "very high grade". Note he hasn't used a more definitive term like "GEF".

Good thinking. I note @Coys55 says his safe is also bolted to the floor.

Absolutely. I did go into the branch in person to ask, as other forms of communication are a dead loss. When I asked what the reason was for not being able to deposit my coins there, all the guy on the counter was able to tell me is that it was a "policy decision", which doesn't really tell me a lot as to the true reasons.

That's what I thought too. I might start making some enquiries about a safe. I think it may well be the most effective way forward. I can't see any burglars being so desperate that they'd attach explosive to it, and blow the door off. Far more likely they'd give up and clear off.

Indeed. The friend/neighbour option I'd already discounted, as it's not fair on them. The work one is still a possibility. However, getting a safe is actually a very sound idea. Either that or finding such a clever place to hide them, no intruders would ever guess where they were. Easier said than done. I did contact the bank about whether I could deposit the coins there, and they said they couldn't - which surprised me. Especially as I was quite prepared to pay.

I think you've got a point with the "very high grade". This guy is an experienced seller of coins and should be able to offer a realistic actual grade such as VF/NEF, in his opinion, whilst allowing those interested to make up their own minds. Also, the fact he doesn't accept returns, is telling. The photography isn't ace, but it's not that bad either - certainly enough to see that the obverse especially is not "very high grade". With that said, I definitely wouldn't give him a negative. I'd take the hit knowing it was poor decision making on my part - "caveat emptor". Been disappointed several times myself, but ultimately know that really, I should have realised before I jumped in and bought. I'd give him a less than ringing endorsement positive, such as "prompt delivery, coin well packed". Something of that nature. He'll get the message.

They don't make it easy do they.

I suppose the obvious answer would be receipts from reputable auction houses, e bay, PayPal etc. Surely they would pass muster. Although it's not always possible to produce a receipt or other provenance for every coin.

Or even shilling a shilling.......

You're probably right, Chris. Yes Peter, it was bought - £14.50 I think.

Thanks Chris. As I've noted before the trick with this series is getting a good strike. Not easy, and you need to buy as soon as you see one for any given year. I feel lucky to have got two decent KN's (1918 & 1919).

It's been very quiet for a couple or so weeks, but it's all set to kick off again on Monday - just to break you in gently

Hold on........I shouldn't be able to see the sea through the shield on this penny Is it me or an optical illusion?

Although I'm spent up after Christmas, I really felt that with two recent price reductions to 71% of the original asking price, I just had to get this 1919KN penny from Lee at Colin Cooke, so cracked open a savings account to get it. Very pleased. It's GEF both sides in my opinion, although Lee described it as a/UNC. In hand it's actually still got that UNC sheen though, with the merest trace of lustre remaining in the obverse devices. It's a fairly good strike, with only very faint ghosting to the reverse, and some moderate hair detail. There are a couple of very minor edge knocks at about 2 O' Clock and 4 O' Clock on the reverse. Also what looks like a die crack extending from about 12 O' Clock on the obverse, South South East across the King's head to the top of the ear. That apart it's completely issue free. Unusually for a KN it seems to have toned dark. Or at any rate would have toned properly dark had it remained in circulation.

Very interesting - and I assume recognised many years ago, as the accompanying note has clearly been typed on an old fashioned typewriter, and the paper now yellowing slightly. Precisely how these anomalies occur is anyone's guess.

Although with that said, CC do sell standard coins as a matter of course, so no reason why all of Gary's collection couldn't be lumped into one (as I see it any rate). Maybe Neil could give us a heads up if he reads this thread.

Lee Brownson.

Yes, very much so. In the pre internet era, such magazine articles would probably have been forgotten very quickly, whereas today, of course, there would be considerable follow up as the articles get reproduced internationally, and gain much more exposure on different platforms. That would undoubtedly have generated a lot more interest. As it was, and as you rightly point out, in those days, collectors and budding collectors would have been much more strongly drawn to the glamour pieces of the day, which would most likely not have included George V pennies, bar the H's KN's and ME's of this world, and probably date fills of any other type going. Nonetheless, at least the article kindly reproduced by @AardHawk shows that there was awareness of this variety, and probably had been for many years prior to that. It would be very interesting to read some of the relevant Royal MInt annual reports.

There's tons of quality there, Pete, quite apart from the pennies. Gary's halfcrown collection is superb, and includes a high end 1905. There's also a 1934 crown. Right across the board Gary has painstakingly assembled virtually every type and sub type. Something there for everyone interested in this era, I'd venture. I'm sure even if the ordinary specimens were included, most of them would also go, albeit for lower prices, as collectors hone in on those gaps in their own collections. I can say for sure there are a number of Gary's pennies I'd be most interested in.

Not only Tony Crocker, but also Bernie Workman, the Copthorne collection and the Alderley collection. Plus others. I'd say Colin Cooke was exactly the right place for a 20th century collection. Most would go. Then maybe e bay for the unsolds.

Thanks for that Aardhawk. Very interesting. Clearly the numismatic community had the low down on these pennies before Freeman wrote about them. Obvious when you think about it, as the recessed or "depressed" ear types are very noticeable, so it would have been strange if they hadn't been picked up beforehand.

Trials are explained in Freeman's book at page 144. Here is a photo of it, in case you've not got the book. Anomalies are anything else different to the norm, which isn't a trial or proof - such as tonnage numbers scratched onto coins by Royal MInt staff.