Debbie

This is a square one you might find interesting? Although I don't like the look of the green bit in the corner! here

Thank you chaps for your comments and explainations. Nick - better reverse? (says she rushing to dig out her Davis ) Beginners luck!

Bagerap, you are a gentleman but really "All's fair in love and coins" I nothing is taken personally I promise!

Just to prove that I am still collecting shillings, here is a 1912 I bought from the coin fair. It’s only the second shilling I have bought this year! I bought it as “mint state†which I presume is the same as UNC? When is a coin classed as BU? Does it refer to brilliant uncirculated or better than uncirculated? Derek, I don't think that you mention BU at all in your book? BTW it has a lovely slight golden tone which you can't see in the photo.

Yes I am watching that!

And may I say looks better for it! Stuart always happy to hear I've made someone smile. Peck if only there were enough hours in the day, its bad enough trying to limit time on here as it is when I should be working and making more money to spend on coins .... Actually I do believe there is a book, the last time I looked it was on Amazon for about £300.

Here's some of those engraved coins I got from the coin fair yesterday. The phots aren't brilliant but you get the gist! I won't post the obverses as they are all about fine (and not particuarly exciting) The first has been gold plated at one time but has worn off, I think it may have been a pin at some point. The second is really interesting (to me) as what I thought was a random design, with a little reseach has proven to be the logo and moto of the South African 24th Squadron here The final one is that Lizzie love token - very worn and I hope at sometime cherished!

Happy birthday Gary - just noticed!

Mmmm see what you mean Colin, some nice examples out there and could be a nice basis for a collection ......oh gawd!!

Afternon all. I have just got this today and I thought I'd post it up as its square. Just got me wondering about other square coins - have there been many issued?

Can I just point out that that object is in the distance and therefore represents something the size of a light house ! Men! Never any good with sizes....

Actually I quite like that one too! Are you going to sell it?

OK so this is the US - but we are not far behind. Warning its a little long winded but I liked the analogy. here

And don't forget all the British Empire coins...... Welcome to the forum Mongo, you'll learn loads here but do be warned it can be very addictive!

I think I will be sticking to just the one hammered coin for the moment - but thank you for the information !

Very informative - thanks both. What was the percentage of silver used in hammered coins then?

Still its good to see anyway, thanks Stuart. Is pitting quite common then? As a novice I may have mistaken that for casting bubbles. Anyway now you have the perfect coin for experimenting with your engraving kit....never come accross an engraved hammered

Ooooo.......an engraved 1933 penny?

Peter I am surprised that you haven't managed to get the word "bust" in there somewhere yet!

Thank you Richard. Always nice to get approval from someone who knows what he's talking about!

So patience is not a virtue of mine. I bought this common type Venetian Soldino from the 1400’s, simply because I liked the look of it and it has an interesting history. it wasn’t expensive (£14) and I wanted to see a hammered coin. It came today and I can’t believe how small and thin it is! No wonder you could drop them – they would float to the ground!

Wouldn't mind seeing that Stuart.

Sorry I'm not much help, but I do sympathise. I find it so frustrating when I am unable to date a coin never mind identify it.

Thanks for your replies chaps. It's still amazing that something so old can be bought for such a small sum, but then again I suppose one can dig up a fossil for free. I think I will wait until I get to a coin fair to see some real live hammers - that's if you are allowed to handle them?

Although I have seen lots of hammered coins in books and on the forum, I have never actually had one in hand. I can see that on ebay there are some hammered coins that seem to go very cheaply - between £5 - £10. Assuming that these are not fakes ( I know, I know...!) Is it actually possible to pick up a fairly common, but decent coin for this? I'm just curious.