Peckris

Yes, I was going to add that the £500 limit is only for the basic SD price. I think even doubling it to £1000 is only about 50p or £1 extra? (Or was.)

I think this needs qualifying, with respect. It's good advice for post-1911 (excluding rarities of course), but Edward VII has always been a very difficult reign in the highest grades. In fact, much - the majority? - of Queen Vic is easier than Edward. Certainly, if you exclude the key dates in any given denomination.

I agree with much of what you said, but not this bit. The UK consisted of two countries (England and Scotland), one province (N Ireland), and one Principality (Wales). In theory, equal partners, but in practice not. Northern Ireland would never seek independence, and Wales would never be permitted to, or in practice want to, given the lack of any real size or economic clout. I think the secession of Yorkshire would cause Westminster more concern to be honest.

Do you have any pictures?

Sorry, but this is one occasion I have to agree with Dan Brown, there's NO WAY that's a bloke! Mary Magdalene is my favourite suggestion.

No, jewellery isn't, but coins are only exempt if they are classed as "money" which numismatic items aren't. If you only got stamps, you were robbed - Special Delivery definitely covers numismatics. You should have stood your ground.

You know I did think it was his wife at first, 'tache and all. If not his wife, then who is she?

You shouldn't have difficulty completing a 60s BU collection. The 50s will be much harder, especially for many Elizabeth II CuNi dates, but the 1940s - apart from rarities - will be easier. So will 1936 - 1939 inclusive though you have to pay for 1938 silver. Before 1935 it does get progressively harder, but some things are still reasonably priced : - silver dated 1915, 1916, 1918 - 1902 (all denominations) - 1901 (ditto) - 1887 silver - 1890s bronze It would be fair to say that with few exceptions, anything post-1816 that has been plentiful in the past has not ceased to be available. It's high grade rarities where the trouble has always been, and it certainly isn't getting any easier.

Not so. That only applies to legal tender items. If it's of "numismatic interest" those rules don't apply.

10 minutes to go - I suspect it will take off any moment ... now!

Hi Azda, Would like to see that coin. Any idea of the thread name? Regards Mark I have an uneasy feeling - perhaps Dave will confirm? - that it was 'Coin Aquisition [sic] of the Week'. Good luck trying to find it in there...

That's a fine moustache. Very impressive. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Her husband's isn't too bad either.

Basically, it was the obverse design - there was far too much metal on the high profile first series George V portrait (compare it to the Edward VII larger head but much shallower relief); this caused not only weakness to parts of the reverse designs* but also the notorious 'ghosting' problem seen especially on pennies, halfpennies, florins, shillings and even sixpences. (*metal was 'sucked away' from the reverse) It drove the Mint demented trying to eliminate the problem which is why you see so many experiments going on: the 1911 hollow necks, the 1913 pennies, the 1915/16 recessed ear pennies, and the entire modification in 1920 that saw a shallower portrait. Of course, it wasn't finally sorted out until the Modified Effigy of 1925/26. But this is why so often Britannia has a weak face and chest, lion heads are weak, etc.

Wow, someone got a bargain with that 1931. I'd figure scott, but the grade's too high...

So... Scotland leaves the UK England leaves the EU No-one bothers to ask the Welsh or N Irish what they want to do Going to be a fine old mess soon enough. Bring back Home Internationals! Time the Wembley goalposts got broken again.

Thanks for that - I've downloaded it and will spend a happy hour or two reading up on it all.

Yes lol. But I'd say that 1913 halfcrown isn't a million miles away from the one you had such a great result with?

The only dealer I know of down here (Devon) is Glenn Ogden. You could try his website to see when the next Fair (Phoenix?) is - they have a few coin dealers among all the postcards and stuff. But I'm afraid it's very much a coin-free region.

Buy a jar of Goddards Silver Dip. Lower the halfcrown into it and keep there for NO MORE THAN 10 SECONDS. Lift out and IMMEDIATELY rinse. Examine - if it looks good, dry by dabbing carefully with a clean towel. But if halfway to improvement, try another 10 seconds, then rinse and dab dry. Don't dip for any longer or you risk an artificial and 'dipped' look to the coin. Ultimately, it's your decision, but that halfcrown looks rather too heavily toned with all its lustre hidden; dipping briefly might be just what it needs.

That looks a sure fire EF to me, though possibly cleaned?

Must be. CGS used to charge £12 per coin, but now it's ... what? 2 or 3 times the value of that 1806 anyway.

Blimey. I'm looking for a really top class 1806 (surprisingly difficult), but even my existing one is WAY better than that sub-average example. Totally baffling why anyone would incur the expense of slabbing that - as Rob eloquently puts it - sh*te.

Yes indeed. There are many surviving examples in high grade - it underscores the fact that not many entered circulation. One of the reasons I downloaded various issues of the BNJ - that article is well worth a read, will teach you more about the 1787 issue than you ever wanted to know.

Obviously that was the SPQR-IP...

If you've not been an attender there before, then go with open eyes, and a closed wallet, at least at first. I say that just because of your inexperience, but having said that, it's one of the best fairs around, and if you see one of our forum members there with a table, like Rob or Derek, I know they will offer you a wealth of advice. Your collecting area is pretty modern, but the early part especially Edward VII can be very pricy unless you are prepared to collect low grades (not my recommendation). However, George VI you could get at your budgeted price - say GEF up to UNC.