1949threepence

I can't speak highly enough of Colin Cooke. Never been disappointed, and they are absolutely straight down the line, with every transaction. Bought quite a large number of coins from them over the years, and the service has always been friendly, honest, unpretentious and down to Earth, which is all anybody can ask. Pricing also very fair and realistic.

Thanks for the heads up, John. They will ultimately lose by employing such sharp practice.

I would avoid buying sovereigns on e bay. It's not trustworthy, and you can easily get ripped off by sharks, unless you really know your stuff, and even then you can come unstuck. With gold, go to established dealers, or reputable auction houses.

Cheers John. Fantastic items on offer anyway, and I've bid for two rarities. Good luck !!!

Great idea. I get so brassed off with blatant dishonesty. As you say, e bay seem unwilling to get involved.

You're lucky to have a manager with Rafa's pedigree, especially as he did the decent thing and stopped after Newcastle were relegated in 2016. I hope the Newcastle fans chant his name loudly at Stamford Bridge next season, after the appalling treatment he got from Chelsea's fans, during his time there. Anyway, sorry to learn of your Dad's passing. Some great pennies in his collection, which I notice has now got its own section "The Frank Stephenson collection of pennies", as well as a section for the halfcrowns, and a really nice write up. Good to see you back anyway.

Brilliant - I nearly spat my tea over the screen. Needed that laugh after a totally humourless day. Cheers Peter

Posted in "Coin acquisition of the week" thread, VS

They're going like hot cakes, 9 a few minutes a go when I looked, 8 now as you noticed, Pete (not me, by the way. Not yet)

It might be. I must admit, I'm almost inclined to buy one myself if only for the curiosity factor.

Pete - I've sometimes found that when I post on my phone it will cause a duplicate posting on some forums. Might be that.

Maybe he ought to consider taking his website down then, or leaving a merssage on it.

I must admit, if it was me who'd found such a mint roll, I'd release just a few, only very gradually. Probably still keep the majority for a rainy day.

Sorry to hear that, mate. Life can be an utter bastard at times

Well you have a good excuse if you weren't sent the exact coin in the pic. Although, equally, it would be interesting to have it tested, just to see if it is fake.

Precisely. That is very suspicious and sets alarm bells ringing..

I don't know. It does look genuine to me. No sign of anything obviously fake. With that said, you may find http://www.coinauthentication.co.uk/ useful.

What's your opinion? I notice the seller isn't a regular coin seller. His other items are non coin related. I must admit, it does seem a bit odd.

I've never heard of any 1841 halfpenny fakes, nor indeed any non contemporary copper or bronze fakes (tooled to look like a 1933 penny, excepted). Although it wouldn't surprise me if in due course some appeared. Maybe others know differently. What would concern me here is the fact that you got a different coin from the one shown in the buy it now pic. I'd take that up with the seller - do you have a link to the sale and a pic of the reverse of the coin you have? Thanks.

Some absolutely amazing pennies. Best LCA for pennies for some time. Literally spoilt for choice. This is the time when you need loadsamoney !!!!

Cheers Pete - must take a look

Not sure about a halfcrown, but I know that on pennies there has to be weight loss as the coin becomes very worn. It's certainly very obvious that they are much thinner than their non worn contemporaries. Although I've never weighed any.

Ah, not a bad idea, Richard. I have several redundant drawers, so I might give them a ring. Save me buying a new one. Thanks

Yes it's a bit odd really. Not very well signposted. Thanks for the above link.

Don't know yet. Will be considering options.