Accumulator

Hi Guys, I have seen this coin in the hand, the small mark on the rim between R and E of REX is actually a ding that does not show as such in the picture. And the scuffs in front of the kings face are more pronounced in the hand. Thank you! I'll give this one a miss I think. It's certain not a bargain which is why it probably didn't sell in the auction. Another R56 will no doubt appear one day.

So we agree on R56. Thanks Rob, I'm gaining more confidence with these G3 pennies!

Still thinking, but not sure. There appears to be slight scuffing but it's hard to tell without seeing it in hand. My main interest is in identifying the different dies and the only way to do this properly is probably owning examples! Anyone else care to have a go die identification? I was once told of a collector who only collects 1797 coins (!!), but I don't have contact details.

Thanks, Dave. I've just found a photo of a Peck 1148 attribution on the London Coins (prices realised) site, sold in September 2013 for £600. So the price is about right, but I'm not 100% convinced its from the same dies now. Please send me the link though, if you're definitely not interested. What do others think (Rob)?

Without really big pics, or the coin in hand, it's very difficult to tie it down to a die pairing and Peck number. Let's try anyway…. It's certainly a Type 4 obverse and Type C reverse. From what I can see, the obverse shows 10 leaves in the wreath and appears to have the double-cut upper berry, so that means KP14, 15 or R56 The reverse just isn't clear enough to decide directly but, looking at known die pairings and the fact that the ship isn't weak, it would have to be either KP15 or R56. As KP 15 only has one incuse dot on the rock, and I'm sure I can see three, that leaves R56 as the only option. To support this being a re-strike, I'm sure I can see the results of a slightly rusted die. If I'm right, that makes it a Peck 1148, in Copper. If you don't want to buy it and the price is reasonable, I'm interested

A collector…. it's out there. I concur. I could do with an image of the reverse, given it isn't illustrated in Peck. I'll see what I can do.

Copper and bronze or copper and bronzed? There is a huge difference. Sorry, I meant 'bronzed'! Line up half a dozen of each and you will probably find 4 definite coppers, 4 definite bronzeds and 4 definite maybes. Rule of thumb is that bronzed pieces will have a very consistent tone which is much smoother than coppers. The colour can also be useful in determining which is which. In the case of restrikes, Taylor used a particular colour of bronzing which makes life a lot easier. Soho bronzing is darker. I think I've pretty much got the bronzed v. copper sorted by doing just that, and comparing them with known metals (including 1805 and 1807). Now I have a few gaps to fill, though as many collectors don't seem to bother I hope to find the rarer die pairings at the 'standard' proof prices.

A collector…. it's out there.

Copper and bronze or copper and bronzed? There is a huge difference. Sorry, I meant 'bronzed'!

I've been going through my 1806 pennies to catalogue them with the correct Peck numbers. Generally one can identify a proof from the quality of strike, the mirror-like finish of the fields and the sharp edges but it's good to obtain further confirmation from the die pairings. My understanding is that, while individual dies do match, the two currency die pairings (KP37 & KP38) do not match any of the proof or pattern die pairings (KP28 - KP36), Would this be correct? My biggest problem is actually distinguishing between copper and bronze proofs! Any one else found this?

Hmm. Not sure here. As the average life expectancy increases, this should also delay the demise of those who are below the mean. Unless all the increase is taken up by those who are already healthy but live longer due to advances in medicine, the same advances must also affect the bottom end of the distribution curve. The average life expectancy over the last generation has increased by at least half that number of years, so a 5 year increase in the retirement age shouldn't result in more people dying in employment. Given the acknowledged difference between the life expectancies of those at opposite ends of the social spectrum, it is more likely that those dying younger will be unemployed in the years leading up to the age of 70 - so probably irrelevant to insurance companies paying out for those dying whilst in companies' employment. With the announcement of increases in the retirement age, an MP was on the radio complaining of 'geographical discrimination' as, apparently, people living in Wales, Scotland and the north of England have a lower life expectancy. Then there are those claiming that young people are being discriminated against as they will most likely have to work until 70+ before claiming their pension, while funding older people who were able to retire earlier. They forget, of course, that the advances in medicine which offer them a greater life expectancy were funded by those very same retirees. I fear it's a conversation that will never end!

No, silly - that was Torvill and Pearl I'm certain we've totally confused all our friends from over the pond by now! You mean.. Pearl & Dean isn't one of theirs? I believe it's entirely English and unknown across the water.

No, silly - that was Torvill and Pearl I'm certain we've totally confused all our friends from over the pond by now!

Torvill & Dean? Don't they do the adverts when you go to the cinema?

I'm still kicking myself for not going after that set in the 18th Sept DWN auction. I'd spent 2k on a crown the day before which ended up going back and I had expected the set to go through the roof. Was I suprised when it went for £4200 hammer A 1953 Reverse A penny has been sold? Yes, it was a part of the 1853 VIP set sold earlier this year. I missed it too

A bit messy on the reverse at 4 o'clock and flat on the crown. Too expensive. It just goes to show the value of sticking to what you know, though the portrait seemed particularly good. I'm not bidden on anything today.

Lot 2501 looked superb to me, even though it's not something I would usually collect. It went at over double estimate

I'm not sure who Rashenly is? He may have won it. Certainly it was no one in the room.

Things can't be too bad. There are 156,000 coins on ebay right now. Most of them seem to sell, so that's a lot of collectors!

Has anyone got a spare 1953 set with the Reverse A penny?

I do think there's a basic desire amongst many of us to collect things. Whether it be stamps, coins, teapots or anything else. This introduction to the psychology of collecting (from Wikipedia) possibly sums it up: When people think of collecting, they may put in mind expensive works of art or historical artifacts that are later sold to a museum or listed on ebay. But the truth is, for many people who amass collections, the value of their collection is not monetary, but emotionally valuable—and often not for sale. Collections allow people to relive their childhood, connect themselves to a period in history or time they feel strongly about, to ease insecurity and anxiety about losing a part of themselves, and to keep the past present. Some collect for the thrill of the hunt. Collecting is much like a quest, a lifelong pursuit which can never be complete. Collecting may provide psychological security by filling a part of the self one feels is missing or void of meaning. When one collects, one experiments with arranging, organizing, and presenting a part of the world which may serve to provide a safety zone, a place of refuge where fears are calmed and insecurity is managed. Motives are not mutually exclusive, different motives combine in each collector for a multitude of reasons. So it's likely that the need to collect will always be present. The big advantage of coins over many other 'collectibles' is that they span a huge slice of our history, are readily identifiable, naturally divisible into 'sets' and are very practical commodities for trading. Whilst it's unlikely nowadays that many under the age of 30 will seriously begin collecting, I believe the attraction to those looking for a more relaxing hobby in later life is enough to maintain the pastime for a very long time to come.

I did look at the catalogue a while ago. Nothing for the penny collector

Congratulations on your shilling... Enjoy it! I could have asked my brother to collect the pennies, as he's in Aussie for the cricket! I'm sure UPS, or whoever they use, will manage before Christmas though. Cheers.

You may well do! The invoice arrived by email. I paid and received immediate acknowledgement, stating they will be shipped within 5 days. Interestingly, if I log into my account on their website it still shows no invoices so their automated back-office appears not to work.

Invoice just arrived. I got all 4 lots, including the 1837!