1949threepence

Maybe because it wasn't flagged as an ME by the vendor, and only some bidders realised what it was. Of them, perhaps not all were 100% sure and so gave up more easily when the price started going up. ETA: Yes it does seem to be true of most high end coins on e bay. They usually go for a lot less than at a standard auction. For example, I got my 1895 2mm in a/UNC for just £231 in 2012. As for the forces at work, I'm not entirely sure. Maybe standard auctions such as LCA, dnw, Spink etc, attract a wealthier and more international clientele. Not saying that is necessarily the prime reason, but it may be one reason.

No problem. Knew what you meant.

Very easy way to tell a 1926 ME from a 1926 regular - the lower colon dot after "GRA" is much closer to the A than on a regular.

Same here, beauty.

Postponed 2 weeks ago on account of the snow. Takes place this weekend instead, amidst a forecast of more ruddy snow !!!

A mystery solved. Thanks Bernie, and thanks to your friend who goes back all those years.

He was very funny. No doubt about that. Didn't have to listen to him long to have a good laugh. RIP Ken Dodd.

Well I must admit, I did notice the letters when I glanced at the thread last night. The E's and the Y in "ONE PENNY", stand out as knackered. Similarly with the unclosed O and on the obverse, the C, A & T in VICTORIA (and T in BRITT), as well as the sort of missing lower colon dot after "REG". Presumably the result of a worn die, but I've never seen an 1860 penny in quite such rough shape, worn die wise.

Ah....of course. Well deduced that man

Here's the best one, from the Copthorne auction. Went for £7250, hammer:-

, Well yes, but why is what I'm wondering. Curious as to whether there is some specific reason known of.

Thanks. Sounds a useful way forward. I sort of do that now.

I haven't encountered that. Is it possible to take a butchers?

I do like the Sheldon system, but as for abandoning UNC, EF etc in the UK and Australia, that's not going to happen anytime soon.

She's nearly 92, but on banknotes looks about half that age. Not sure whether this question has been asked before, but just wondered if anybody knew.

Thanks for the heads up.

Nice one Richard

No, that's a millipede

link Interesting - another snippet of knowledge gained.

Yes, I could see that was an F26 in one glance, as well - I must be improving on my 1861's !

I was sceptical about the "fake news" supposedly emanating from Russia, but the more I see of Russia and Putin, the more I'm convinced that much covert hostility exists towards the West. Not that I believe their influence over the EU referendum and US elections amounted to very much. The kind of fake news stories circulating on Social Media at the time, were so obviously complete rubbish, that I'm pretty sure no-one with enough sense to vote would have fallen for them. Also, I can't abide cheats who mess with dope to try and win sporting events. Pleased they got banned. Just a pity they've got the world cup this year.

No Jon, that's not reverse F. Reverse F has a distinctly rounded lighthouse top - that one hasn't. Looks like it could be obverse 4 though, which would make it an F22 IMO..

I agree. In the absence of that, it would have only achieved a tiny fraction of the 5 figure sum, at auction. As you say "VIP" really only applies to those years where there is not general proof issue, and the term now often seems to be a bit of a con.

The fingerprint is unfortunate, but unless you are sure of what to do, it's best to just leave it. My motto is no cleaning of coins unless absolutely safe to do so. Not sure whether acetone would remove it or not. Probably someone else would know. I've recently been advised that acetone removes old lacquering.