Accumulator

There's definitely a transitional obverse between (Freeman) 2 & 3, which has been discussed in depth here before, though I can't find the thread at the moment. I did notice the fishtail, but put this down, possibly, to the damage to the coin (heavy scratch).

Sorry, I should have clarified, I meant I don't share the information on the internet. I made copies of my research many years ago, which were freely distributed amongst the family, and I've corresponded with distant branches, from time to time, and shared the same information. I've found a few stories, nothing too horrific though! Actually, putting together 'a tree' is one thing, but adding detail, which makes the whole thing interesting is a far larger job, and one I still need to return to (something to keep me busy in retirement I expect).

Doh...I only just got that one... Do share the joke! I was being quite serious. I've stopped using my mother's maiden name on most sites ever since my sister started doing genealogy on ancestry.com and posting family details that anyone who had quite basic details could research. I thought you were joking about the fact that if you were using your mothers maiden name on a genealogy site that it may not be the best security question...I should read more thoroughly However you have reminded of another issue, just because you may be happy for your tree and the information within to go public, do not assume that all family members will feel the same. Family history can be an emotive subject and it highly possible that you may stumble across information that needs handling with discretion. Invite family members to it by all means but I would never publicise my tree. All very valid points, and I'm certainly not about to publish mine. Most of my work was completed about 20 years ago… all the way back to 1560, so an awful lot of data! I've found that, much like coin collecting, the younger family members really aren't that interested in their ancestry. Maybe when they're older?

Link Absolutely stunning, I have just got back from A & E as I stumbled and twisted my ankle while gazing at it's beauty on my iPhone. Stunning is right. The doctor diagnosed severe concussion, so I have to take it easy for quite a while now. One side is almost mint, while the other is dirty and worn. Nothing that a bit of wire wool and some elbow grease won't cure. Beautiful coin otherwise. One that would sit proudly in any collection.

I've never gone for them myself, but the cased proof/vip year sets always seem to sell well at auction. Apart from the common ones like '37 & '53 they get a little pricey though!

Hmmm… it's not easy, but I favour obverse 3, based mainly on the shape of the bust profile, where it adjoins the border, and the rose overlaying the border circle. Here's one (not a great pic as it's in a plastic tomb, but it is UNC85):

As a lad, I collected date runs of most denominations. I still have most of them, though many are not in the best condition! I did rather majored on pennies and half-crowns, so these were better. Since returning to the hobby I've focussed solely on copper & bronze pennies from 1797 to 1970, though I have played with the idea of building up a crown collection too.

Like Dave, I've done quite a lot of genealogical research over the years. There's a fair amount to go with on the certificate. Lord Cecil Douglas was probably just employed as a figurehead to give the business 'legitimacy' (I mean that in the marketing sense, not in any way inferring that such a business wasn't legitimate!). He apparently died in the 1980s and was a member of the Marquess of Queensbury's family (famous for the rules of boxing). As mentioned in a previous thread, the National Archive (formerly the PRO - Public Record Office) at Kew holds some records relating to the company. You should follow up on those. Lots to get your teeth into! ..and infamous in connection with Oscar Wilde. Indeed! Hopefully 'FionaHarrison' will return to let us know what they discover?

I did most of my research before the internet existed but have helped others since. Ancestry.co.uk seemed to be the best website in terms of available data, though other sites may have caught up. Generally the type of records held by on-line resources will only let you research back as far as 1837, if your ancestry is english, the year when national registration of births, marriages and deaths became compulsory (actually the Hardwicke Marriage Act meant that marriages alone have been recorded since 1753, though not kept centrally). Sites such as Ancestry will give you access to the national registration records (the GRO), but they are actually available to search free here. Whilst numerous other records have been indexed and 'digitised', the vast majority, in the form of parish records, remain sitting in county repositories and the only option is to visit and spend the necessary hours poring over old record books. Much more fun that sitting at a computer!

Nice coin Bob!

Like Dave, I've done quite a lot of genealogical research over the years. There's a fair amount to go with on the certificate. Lord Cecil Douglas was probably just employed as a figurehead to give the business 'legitimacy' (I mean that in the marketing sense, not in any way inferring that such a business wasn't legitimate!). He apparently died in the 1980s and was a member of the Marquess of Queensbury's family (famous for the rules of boxing). As mentioned in a previous thread, the National Archive (formerly the PRO - Public Record Office) at Kew holds some records relating to the company. You should follow up on those. Lots to get your teeth into!

The seller has just changed his description! It did have a 'buy it now' price of £1,000. I wonder if the message I sent him prompted the change?

Now here's a bargain. "A 1913 George v penny box not included." For £1,000 what do you expect, a box to put it in?

On some Obverse 6 coins the flaw is almost impossible to detect, so even with minor wear it may not be visible. Here are a couple of examples:

I'm guessing that virtually all the George coins which found their way to Australia were currency. The previous thread was about proofs & patterns which, I imagine, rarely made it across the ocean. A good tip on where to find them in listings, though! An EF+ 1827 would be a nice find.

You're right Peter, though the letters aren't quite as imperfect as they look in the photos. It's partly due to reflection of the light. I'm cheating slightly as my obverse 6 shown is actually from an 1861 proof (Freeman 37). It's not perfect but very nice in hand.

That's an obverse 6. There are several differences, but the most obvious is the arrangement of leaves at the front of the wreath. Obverse 6: Obverse 2 (apologies for the coin & photo quality):

A Quick Google search shows that the Nationsl Archive contains information about your father's company, including orders for commemorative medals in the late 60's. You probably know this though.

What are you inferring about the Tibetenese, Peter?

Judging by the flairs, it could be 1970's?

Yes, Heritage have a few coming up!

Somewhere on here, there's a thread discussing why the 1805 coins aren't in Spink. Of course, strictly, they're patterns but Spink does list other similar coins, not least of which would be the unique 1808! Anyway, I think the 1805's are lovely to own. Prices for the pennies would be £600-£1,000, depending on condition. I'm not sure about the halfpenny. I'm struggling to get a good photo through the slab (there are no streaks on the coin itself!), but it really is a beautiful coin:

I'll try it after you…

I'm sure cataloguing these coins can be a nightmare and I've probably already made mistakes. The plan is to acquire a few more in time, as nothing beats comparison in-hand. 1797-1807 proof/pattern pennies are firmly on my wants list then!

Looking at my 1797-1807 pennies, where I know the material from a process of die pair elimination, it does seem that the bronzed coins are consistent in colour. That doesn't mean they are all the same colour, just that the coloration is even, whereas the copper coins have a more patchy coloration. It's not easy to tell them apart though!