1949threepence

Just had a new kitchen - eye wateringly expensive process, and exceedingly inconvenient while it's going on. But the end product well worth it. Pictures from the first day, when all the fitments were ripped out, to leave a gutted shell, to the first signs of a new kitchen, to the finished article. Washing machine now behind a door under the sink. Taking into account the cost of fitting, the eventual price ran into 5 figures, and my kitchen's only a small box !

Fantastically interesting. Thank you very much indeed, Rob.

That absolutely hits you in the eye. It's way too bold compared to the genuine article. But quite apart from that, the entire coin just looks wrong. Also the H in the date looks too perfect. The real ones just aren't that sharp.

Oh dear. So obviously a fake as well.

Interesting - it does look like 33, in the style of three used on the 1863 pennies. The fact there's two (apparently) consecutive numbers makes it less likely to be pareidolia. But of course, if there is a number there, it may well have been added after the coin left the mint. Many such unofficial additions were made to pennies in that era. Might be worth referring to the Royal MInt for an opinion.

I would have left you more than a couple, Pete. I'm not greedy, just keen

If time travel were possible, I would definitely have bid for lots 14, 17 & 28. Maybe some others. Not sure what the coin market was like at that point, but I don't think it was as active as today, being pre internet. It certainly wasn't as rampant as in the late 60's - although at that time some of the rare varieties we know today, hadn't yet been identified.

Just looking at the realised prices from the Freeman Auction made me realise just what amazing bargains there were to be had, even after adjusting to current inflation. For example:- Lot 14, containing Freemans 17, 18, (the extremely rare 19) 20 and an EF 21, with a lower/upper estimate of £250/ £300, didn't even sell !!! - leastways, not at the auction itself. Lot 16, a Freeman 23 in EF, lower/upper estimate again £250/£300, went for just £237 hammer !! Lot 17, containing an EF F26, a very worn F27 and a GF F28, lower/upper estimate £80/£100, went for just £54. Lot 18, containing an EF F29 and a fine F30, estimate £100/£300, didn't sell. Lot 26, containing a mint state normal 1863 penny, and a fine slender 3, estimate £120/£150, went for £118 Lot 28, 1863 die No 2 under date, VF, estimate £400/£500, went for £453 Lot 29, 1863 die No 3 under date, fine £150/£200, went for just £129. There are many more.

Oh, didn't realise. Yes indeed, Happy Birthday John, hope you have a great day.

Richard, a big thank you for the e mail scan with the realised prices at the Freeman auction.

1855 halfpenny - solid VF 1887 farthing - a/UNC 1878 farthing - EF/NEF 1901 farthing - GVF 1929 sixpence - a/UNC Would be my estimation, Mick.

Very much so Richard, yes. Shall I PM you?

Like the others, I can't see them being worth very much.

Arrived today - thanks again. I would have bought Pete's when he offered it last October, but I was too late and Jerry had already bought it. Great to have an actual original copy of the Freeman sale. Never thought I would get one

I don't Simon, unfortunately. Of course, you could ring and ask him

Thanks for that. I remember he sold a very nice 1871 penny a couple or three years back, on e bay, for a fair price. I'd have bought it myself if I hadn't already got one. He doesn't seem to have a separate website for the concern, but "Peter Nichols Stamp and Coin shop", still at the Norman Road St Leonards on Sea premises, is shown as having the telephone Number (01424) 436682. That's for the benefit of the guest user Dr Dwarf on page 1, if he ever looks in again. Glad to hear he's OK.

OK Rob, now paid - same account Many thanks.

Do you want me to credit the same account you sent me details of in November 2015 when I bought the Cuff auction book off you, Rob? Let me know what postage to add on.

I'll take it if it's not already gone, Rob.

You've obviously put a lot of hard work in, so kudos to you for that. As you say, the British copper & bronze is still a work in progress, and you may need some specialised advice and pictures for the rarer varieties. Just shout up. There are many penny/halfpenny/farthing specialists here, who can help you with those. But yes, well done. I can definitely see a lot of potential for future use and reference there.

Really sorry to learn of his passing - RIP.

Nice one. I just use the camera on my tablet. Not as good as yours, but does a reasonable job.

With all the above said, the oldest coin I ever received in my change was a 1942 florin, by that time masquerading as a 10p piece. In 1989 I think.

"I never had to do it in the first place. Christ, what a bloody fool I've been"