Mongo

That sure would be a find! I wonder how many honest coin collectors on this forum would "pocket" pattern, error coins etc. from the mint, if they had the chance to work there, and knew they could get away with it!... not me... honest!

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.

Thanks for posting the grading details and advice Tom! It is very helpful. I have my next few purchases already planned, but after that I am definitley going to pick myself a nice hammered coin for my collection. I have one hammered, the one I posted in the "British Coin Enquiries" thread, even though it is a low grade, I was amazed I could pick up a coin that is over 700 years old for under a fiver! While dipping my toes in the water, I may stick with a reputable dealer, until I am more comfortable with grading. HistoricCoinage has some nice coins for a low budget. After I buy a few hammered coins I can see where it takes me!

Nice coins Tom, If I start saving now I can buy myself one for Christmas! I have found myself being drawn towards hammered coins, I particularly like the Charles on horseback portrait on the Half Crown! but trying to grade them myself (the cheaper coins) just scares me. I am still trying to get my head around milled coins!

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

I forgot about these! missed the end of the auctions How did you do Gary? Good prices I hope!

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!

Im watching too... hope for your sake I do not get a bargain, but hope for my sake I do!

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