1949threepence

Indeed, although when a coin is advertised as "shows signs of old cleaning, now re-toning", you know that long past occasion will have been anything other than a careful act of cleaning. I'm not sure what the distinction is between "cleaning" and "conservation". Maybe the same as between "slabbed" and "encapsulated".

Courtesy of Richard, an 1862 Freeman 39A, 8 over 6. Very pleased.

I'd grade it at aVF. There's distinct signs of wear, although the shield lookd reasonably intact.

Same here, Jon.

It's the most obvious clincher on an ME. Instantly visible to the naked eye.

Precisely the point I raised in the other recent thread about Michael & Rendell. Their photography is dreadful. As I said at the time, I can do better than that just using my tablet under a bog standard incandescent bulb. They have a huge stock of coins, yet still cannot get this basic skill under their belts.

Hasn't it just. Looking forward to the warm days of Summer.

You could be right, Pete.

Probably the only factually accurate things in the Mail are yesterday's midday temperatures and the football results. The irony is that their website is very popular and with just a bit more truth and realism, as well as dropping the jingoistic xenophobia, they could be really good.

Being from Chelmsford I'm an East Anglian lad. I'm pretty sure the radio commentator is an old schoolmate of mine.

Well done you !!!

Lost out on my two bids. Never once bid successfully at a March LCA in several attempts.

Definitely F7 - sea reaches linear circle to left of lighthouse. Making it reverse C.

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.