Paulus

Very interesting thread Richard, thank you for initiating it! Like many, my focus has shifted since I started out, and will continue to change I am sure. When I started out (only 5 years ago really), it was virtually "all and every date of all and every major variety of English milled pre-decimal silver, nF or better". Of course there is some leeway there, in terms of what I consider to be 'major' varieties or not, and what constitutes nF! After a while I became frustrated by the absence of certain dates and major varieties within my affordable horizon, and found I was getting far more pleasure from owning, holding, looking at the higher grade and/or more eye-pleasing examples (especially toned) I had acquired. I found I got little or no (extra) pleasure from owning a rare date or variety, especially if I owned another of the series in a much higher grade ... so I guess I am not a completist with regard to dates or varieties, I have moved on from that. Where I am now is in 2 areas - high grade/attractive examples of significant circulation English Milled silver - anything that catches my eye and fits my budget at the time I will go after, especially if I don't have something similar. So I will try and get at least one of each monarch from Charles II to George VI, of each very different design, that was issued for circulation, in silver ... plus a nice milled Liz I. In this area I generally rule out all proofs, patterns, models, Maundy, and 'non-major varieties' - which (at the moment, for example) for me means I will want superb 1723 SSC examples, but not bothered about French Arms at Date, 2nd Bust, etc, or WW obliterated Godless florins, etc etc etc - I have found I want my collection to be of interest to me and anyone I show it to, from a history point of view, in addition to my primary focus. So I have also been collecting the odd attractive example going back to Roman, including hammered (esp Tudor and Charles I (esp Civil War) / James I), Gold, Copper, Bronze, Tin, Pattern, Model, Enamelled, Proof, Piedfort, Conder Token, etc etc. This makes my collection more colourful and interesting, and I do like showing it to anyone that shows an interest (not suggested by me), and allows me much more latitude in picking up virtually any English coin that I find attractive at a good price Like many, my focus might change again in a year or 2, but I am very happy with this balance right now! Edit: Just to add, this forum and the many experts on it have been a great help and inspiration!

I think (for a laugh) that all of us who visit these eBay laughs links should 'watch' the item concerned, just to get the seller's hopes up!

Agreed but there are 2 fools in this, the 1 who slabs it straight from the mint and the other who buys it for an over-inflated price in the slab I guess the first guy isn't so stupid if there is a second guy, but it's crazy isn't it, as you say they are selling for just over face value on the Bay at the moment (or considerably less on occasion, if you refer to my post the other day!) Link

I'm not in the market for this, but would find your comments educational and interesting ... Link

Thanks Peter, I didn't know the significance of the wolf ... just love the history from these things, especially those that were in general circulation!

Snaffled this tiny item off eBay today

£13.55 for a coin with a legal face value of £20! Now that's good business... for the buyer. If it weren't for the postage ...

lol Link

Did you get a reply?

Blimey, that's a weird one, is it yours? Does it actually say that on the edge?

I don't believe it!

It certainly tries one's self-discipline if you tune in to the auction with no budget and no intention to spend any money! I just about managed to abstain (this time!) ... what did you win Garrett?

Lot 2662 went for 5000 (hammer)

Thanks, that does seem to be exactly what it is ... it was just irresistable at the price given the grade and eye appeal, I had spent a few weeks watching lesser grades go for £30-£40 (on eBay) but have no idea of relative scarcity and just wanted a nice example. To me these have more history to tell than the other legal tender/circulated coins of their era, but I won't be trying to collect them all! Do you know whether the Diesinker (Thomas Wyon) is related to the Wyons involved in the William IV and Victoria coinage? (I assumed he was) Mintage 25,750? Is that a reliable figure? I now have it in hand and am very pleased with it! What's the relevance of the 'XX' on the edge?

The on-line pics of the lots on the auction web page were pretty awful

Thanks Scott ... I find it slightly weird that some of them don't have the value on them!

A bidder from Russia, whatever next! What is this auctioneer on?

Oh blimey, didn't realise it was Monsieur Platt or I wouldn't have posted it on here! Looked okay though! He said the weight was 9.5g ...

I have asked the weight question, you are a total star Rob!

Wouldn't want anyone who wanted one to miss out! Looks desirable to me ... Link

I think Richard is nervous about getting them posted from abroad this close to xmas, Richard, I reckon Rob's your man here!!

Just dipped my toe in the water on these token thingies, no idea if it's a Conder, or the date, but the seller says it's a halfpenny. Just fancied it and it was quite cheap, getting withdrawal symptoms from not acquiring early milled silver, much of which I will be selling in the new year. Anyway, I have 2 questions: was this ok for £12 + postagewhat year/denomination is it! Thanks for all and any comments!

eBay? Yeah, but they're like £2 each plus postage for a coin that's worth about 20p. I'd prefer to get them a bit closer to face value! Plus they ship from Lithuania or somewhere, so there's a risk they won't arrive in time. Daughter bought a couple of Russian doll money boxes for her Grandma and Aunt who are visiting Moscow next Spring and we though it would be fun to pop a few coins in each .. hence the desire to keep it cheap! How about these for example (from Norfolk) Link

eBay?

Yummy! Very tasty indeed!