Mongo

Came accross this picture from the Royal Mint online exhibition. Is it just me, or is this design so much more attractive than the one that was minted? The heraldic artist George Kruger Gray prepared a St George in 1935 for the Silver Jubilee crown, which narrowly lost out to Percy Metcalfe’s version.

I do not collect them.... yet! but here is another little hobby of mine, meet Spidey

Happy Bidet!

Seems like you have grabbed a few bargains in your time Scott! I hope I can find a few in the future

Seems nice that your collection now is part of your Dad's legacy Tom, must make some of your more expensive coins that extra bit special!

You're certainly not missing a bargain! I think that is a tactic to drive traffic to their other listings! probably works too

Nice story Peck! Just think, if that bowl of coins had not been in the window, you may never have discovered your hobby! Think how much money that would of saved you

I am interested, how did everyone start collecting coins? can you golden oldies even remember? Also, it would be nice to see a picture of that ONE coin that you really love above all the rest, maybe there is a little story behind it? I have only been interested in coins for a couple of months, so I am still to find my "star" coin. I decided to start collecting when my parents were redecorating, they gave me a small jar with a handful of coins inside. They were all beat to hell and back! but it still ignited my interest, now I am hooked!

That is amazing! Im gonna go dig up my garden now

It depends. If you grade purely by the amount of circulation wear (as many of us do) then that wouldn't alter by the presence of other damage or disfigurements. However, if you were selling such a coin, you would say "EF, minor stains obv/rev" (or "VF with EK" etc), then adjust the price accordingly. Similarly you could say "EF, sharp strike, superb toning" and adjust the price in the opposite direction. Some people might deduct a grade for damage, and grade a coin as VF when in fact it's EF with a bloody great scratch. But if they advertised it as VF that would confuse the buyer, who might prefer a genuine VF to a scratched EF. A full and honest description is far better. Thanks Peck, that clears that up for me!

I think there are enough tits on here..me excluded because I'm a? Arse!

Thanks everyone! and thanks to those who PM'd me their links, It is nice to have more coins to choose from

Thanks Peck! I am not going to attempt to clean it, as I love the coin as it is. I was more wanting to educate myself on what the patches were, if they were natural or not. For a tenner, it is no biggy. In a related question... Am I right in thinking the grade of a coin does not alter, even with stains, EK's, dents etc.? so an EF coin with a horrible stain, is still EF? And would maybe just be priced differently.

Picked up this shilling, nice detail I thought, just wondering if someone could tell me what the dark patches are? It does not look like toning, has someone just spilled something on it? Thanks!

It allows me to buy with confidence, when purchasing from dealers who are also members on this forum. Could those who have an online coin shop please PM me a link, so I can know which member has which shop! I already have Predicimal, and John's argentum. Thanks!

Nice Florins pies! attractive tone on the 1906. Is one of these the one I said I was gonna steal from you?

Doh! I was expecting to see some boobs... rename your thread!

I take it you do not like that coin then Mr Perkins? You should see all the gold plated crap on eBay... That will really get your goat!

Nothing wrong with that coin pies. Nice and shiny.... My precioussss!

Your posts make me feel less of a coin geek than I thought I was! Thanks

I went to the local fried chicken place for lunch today, ordered a Big Meal.. £3.99 bargain! When I went to pay, I noticed a shiny thing in my hand... It was an immaculate 2010 Pound coin! I realised that I had under a fiver in change total, so I quickly said to the bemused looking shop owner.. "one sec, I have to go to the cash machine!". Off I went to get a tenner out, returned, paid, enjoyed my grub! Long story short... It is all your faults!... For encouraging me, you are bad influences!

Dear Will, My name is Dr Zunami Bumambi, I am the leading medical detective for the armed forces of Nigeria, due to an unforseen curcumstance, my uncle, the Prince of Zimbabwe has been arrested in Somalia. Before his arrest, he deposited $56,000,000 USD in the car boot of a taxi. If you could help me recover these monies, I will compensate you with $4,000,000 USD. All I need from you is your name, address, bank account details, social security number, telephone number, mothers maiden name and your shoe size. Regards Dr Zunami Bumambi.

Thanks for all your advice! It is most helpful. I think I may have come accross a bit wrong... until now I have only purchased coins that I like, and that is what I intend to do with this purchase too. I am not looking to buy a coin for a quick profit! What I was more concerned about, was losing BIG on my first expensive coin, should I have a rainy day and need to sell it on. From all your advice, it seems that I can not go too wrong if I stick to a coin with good eye appeal, the best grade I can afford, and to make sure the price I buy it at is a good one! For this purchase, I may actually go the old fashioned route and visit a coin or antique shop! That way I can see it up close and personal before I commit.

Thanks Tom. My budget is anything up to 2500, but I will not go top end of that just for the sake of it. If I find a beautiful coin for 500 quid then that will be just as special to me! Good idea about asking here for opinions before I part with any money, If i find a coin I am seriously considering I will be sure to do that.

Thanks for the tips guys! I will take my time with this one, and be sure that I do not rush into it. From what you have said, It seems it would be the best option to stick with a coin that has nice eye appeal, and also to go for a coin in the best grade possible. I think I am turning into a bit of a perfectionist when it comes to grade, so I guess that is a good thing! I will continue to buy my little £10-£50 coins, as that gives me alot of enjoyment. At the same time, I can keep an eye out for that "special" coin. I am sure it is out there somewhere!