Paulus

If these are mainly for investment rather than frequent taking out and loving, then acid-free paper envelopes would be ideal (they are sold specially for coins). The first, last and most important thing ever at all times with no exceptions is - KEEP THEM DRY!!! Temperature doesn't matter too much for silver, copper and bronze (and gold), but a dry humidity-free atmosphere is paramount. The second thing is to keep them free from pollutants - PVC, coastal salt in the air, acids, fumes, dyes, fingers etc. Lustre may fade somewhat over the years but it won't disappear if the coins are stored with care. I use the Lighthouse self-adhesive 2x2 coin holders, are these then less than ideal for top condition coins? If so I had no idea and am a bit shocked (although I am a naive and ignorant relative newbie!) Paul

I will be listing a few items on here at the price I paid, plus postage, before I list them on eBay, to give members a chance to purchase if interested £77

*cough cough* ↓↓↓↓ Sadly I only have one of those, it is very nice though!

*cough cough* ↓↓↓↓ Sadly I only have one of those, it is very nice though! http://i1122.photobucket.com/albums/l530/paul_whittingham/Charles_I_Shilling_Rev.jpg http://i1122.photobucket.com/albums/l530/paul_whittingham/Charles_I_Shilling_Obv.jpg

I will be selling a large proportion of my collection to concentrate on 'type' collecting, whatever that may be! For now, for me, it means all 1603-1946 English silver coins, one of each denomination and 'significant' type for each monarch, wondering if under this definition selling all my 'duplicates' will finance all my 'missings' ... not sure in the case of a Northumberland shilling and a Gothic Crown (although I might ignore proof only issues) ... There, that's my 2012 strategy articulated! What are the other rare 'biggies' I am missing I wonder?

Not without a better picture. Ed.VII is difficult at the best of times because the hair detail is very low relief and so difficult to tell what is worn unless well lit or in the hand. Thanks Rob, I'll have another go!

I am starting to sell some of my collection in preference for collecting VF+ older milled English silver ... in the rarer coins, where grading seems to make exponential differences to the value I am struggling to assess the appropriate grade, and struggling even more to take photographs that do the coins justice. Here is a very collectible 1905 shilling, which looks miles better in hand than these pics show: I use a 12mp camera without flash, macro on, in natural daylight Perhaps I should: photograph them 'naked' i.e. not in their protective holder (the crease at 11 o'clock on the obverse is cellophane) use something to keep the camera steadier use different/better lighting? I am always amazed at the quality of the pics some people manage to achieve! Any tips gratefully received! Would anyone like a stab at grading/valuing this one?

I do, but I am not sure how to grade it or the best way to sell it, I am only just starting to take this hobby seriously and have a lot to learn! It was sold to me as aVF but I think I would grade it as something like 'GF+ and probably dipped' I would value your opinion(s)! (It is much more 'shiny' than the photos show) It is short of VF, but not that far away because there is still a degree of hair detail and based on the image nVF would probably be more appropriate, but it has been polished which is a no-no and as they are not rare won't help the cause. Selling on ebay, honestly described as cleaned is probably the best way because on there, people see what they want to see. A dealer will knock it down for being polished unless it is a Hobson's Choice piece (which it isn't). Thanks Rob, I will be listing it later today with your suggested description, loving this forum!

I do, but I am not sure how to grade it or the best way to sell it, I am only just starting to take this hobby seriously and have a lot to learn! It was sold to me as aVF but I think I would grade it as something like 'GF+ and probably dipped' I would value your opinion(s)! (It is much more 'shiny' than the photos show)

I was wondering what experience other members have had with on-line shops (other than eBay) such as John Newman, Online coins, David Seaman, Coinage of England, et al, and whether there are any people would particularly recommend, for buying or selling? If you were selling a James II shilling in aVF would you use eBay or something else? Thanks for any help!