Nick

There does seem to be a small amount of diameter variability with crowns. I've had crowns in the past that wedge into the lighthouse capsules, whereas others are quite free. I wouldn't be unduly concerned.

Because, if it had turned out to be genuine, you'd have just scratched away most of the value.

If you click on the 'switch' icon (top left corner of toolbar) the reply will toggle between textual and graphical. It's much easier to edit using the textual format.

Not easy to see the proofness of the fields in a photograph, but the rims and edge look exactly like those expected on proofs.

Unfortunately, the Labour Party in Westminster would die, as there are a disproportionate number of Scotsmen among them. We'd be saddled with the self-serving disgrace to humanity aka the Tory Party forever more. Nothing unfortunate about that. And there are plenty of self-serving disgraces in all political parties. Let's not get into a political argument. I was brought up from the cradle that morality and human values count for more than acquisition and personal wealth, but I acknowledge that not everyone agrees. Indeed, but the things you list are not mutually exclusive and none of them are the responsibility of government.

I hope it won't be to Long before we're no longer a part of Westminster. Are you eligible to vote in the independence referendum, Dave? Or is it just those who currently live in Scotland? Only residents of British nationality can vote. Just looked it up and it seems that residents from Commwealth and EU countries can also vote. Correct.Incorrect, only those Residenz in Scotland can vote Yes, you're right. My answer was missing the key word 'Scottish' before residents.

Unfortunately, the Labour Party in Westminster would die, as there are a disproportionate number of Scotsmen among them. We'd be saddled with the self-serving disgrace to humanity aka the Tory Party forever more. Nothing unfortunate about that. And there are plenty of self-serving disgraces in all political parties.

I hope it won't be to Long before we're no longer a part of Westminster. Are you eligible to vote in the independence referendum, Dave? Or is it just those who currently live in Scotland? Only residents of British nationality can vote. Just looked it up and it seems that residents from Commonwealth and EU countries can also vote.

I hope it won't be to Long before we're no longer a part of Westminster. Are you eligible to vote in the independence referendum, Dave? Or is it just those who currently live in Scotland?

The listed sale price is the same as my maximum bid price. I'm not sure how Noble works, but with many auction houses room bidders take priority. So it's possible someone won the coin from the floor. The 'my bids' section of the website suggests I've won and I've emailed for confirmation. We shall just have to see... I suggest you will always win it at your maximum, which is why I will only put in a pitifully low bid or not bother any more. Sounds like good advice Rob ... aren't the auction houses subject to some sort of scrutiny/audit around such things? I wouldn't have thought so. It would be so easy for them to invent a convenient under-bidder just below the highest commission bid received.

Seems quite appropriate at the moment...

Minisodah - ya, eh, I heard o' the place: That was a great show, and it sounds like you have the accent down pat! Ha,Ha! A classic film. A novel (but slightly predictable) use for a wood chipper...

I didn't even know about it! But you're right, there is such a thing. There is, but it's a bit counter-productive. What's the point of a discussion forum if all dissenting voices are ignored?

I would say most likely not. The metal overflow on the obverse rim doesn't quite fit with the usual flat, well-defined rims and sharp edges on the proofs.

Nice variation on a dance classic - what a powerful voice! (song starts at 33 seconds)

..and my all time favourite http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=09A5vR0gvZ0 Well, there's no accounting for taste...

It's not unusual for DNW hammer prices to be a low multiple of the estimate.

Do you think that people realise that they are bidding for a mousemat? Currently at £21.01, which seems a huge amount for an item that would usually be around a fiver. BTW. This is one of Dave's favourite eBay sellers (previously *country*country*interiors*).

With the new feedback system it'll be nigh on impossible to email the buyer. Which is just what eBay wants. Being able to tell buyers that they have bought a forgery, means that they will return it to the seller and eBay lose the commission on the sale. Ebay's motive for the obscured feedback system is clear.

There have been many comments about how poor the Spink website is, and I completely agree with all of these. I don't even bother to visit their website any longer due to the cookie policy pop-up on every single page visited. Anyway back to the point. Has anybody else received an email about pre-ordering Coins of England 2014 which provides you a link to do so, but actually just sends you to a generic 'Contact us' webpage. What a shambles!

I wonder if the die sinker/checker was sacked for that spelling mistake?

Nick, do you have a couple of comparative photos to post, using your set up? I'm sure they've been posted previously, so a link will do.Also, what is a CFT bulb? I can only find CFL in Google. They do seem to use CFL as the acronym now (CFT was compact fluorescent tube). The bulb I use is this one, but actually it's very bright (equivalent to 150W). I think that if I were to replace it, I would go for a lower wattage. All of the pictures I have posted are using the setup mentioned. There are several of mine posted in the toned coins thread (example).

Nice illustrated tutorial, Brandon. Your setup is very similar to mine, although I use a single daylight CFT bulb mounted horizontally (so that using the clock analogy, it covers 11 o'clock to 1 o'clock).