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Rob & Tom, Thanks for your thoughts. Here are A. Rayner's definitions from ESC. R7 Only one or two examples known R6 Three or four examples known. R5 Five to ten examples known R4 Eleven to twenty examples known R3 Extremely rare R2 Very rare R. Rare S. Scarce I think this is quite a sensible approach. Of course criticisms could made but this is not an exact science. I wonder whether Tom under five for excessively rare is a little low. Perhaps under twenty bearing in mind they would rarely if ever come to market. In practice "rare" is used by dealers and auctions for things like 1930 or 1925 2/6's and on balance we understand them. You could say they are talking there own book but I think most get it right. For me it is the higher rarity factor that is interesting. It certainly needs more definition. Actually the scale used at the beginning and Rayner's that I have quoted try to come to terms with it. Perhaps we should use a scale like this in the same way we use a scale for grading. One could argue it has a similar impact on price although I appreciate that's not everything. By the way thank you both for the examples you have used, most interesting. Regards Mark

Just talking about this with a collector this morning. We use terms such as scare, rare etc freely thinking that others will understand what we mean. Of course their scarce, rare is likely something different to them. Must say I would be miffed if I bought what I was told was a "rare" coin and found four or five in auction during the year and one or two in dealers stock lists. Have noticed the term " excessively rare" used. Anyone like to have a go at what that means? Genuinely interested in feedback on this. Also Tom's point is very good one to make. Why do some things considered rare seem to have more attraction than other rare items. Is it the smart thing to buy up all of the less fashionable rarities in the hope that "every dog has its day". Regards Mark

Well Peter it would be a small cartel I can only find seven listed at the Museum and a further two online using Google and MC search. What have you got from the Bury Mint, I'd be interested to know. Regards Mark

Hi Peter, Thanks I knew it was something a bit special. Just want to try and get a feel for how rare it is. Mark

Rob, That was a nice coin, looked even better in the hand. I was hoping to get away with a sneaky cheap bid on that one, but is was sought after. Picked up several bits and underpaid with all of them. Regards Mark

Didn't think you would miss it. There were two others of the basic type. Wished I had picked up one of those as well. Were you there? Regards Mark

Should be N 483/1 in the header

Recently acquired this. I know it to be extremely rare. Only seven listed by the Fitwilliam Museam showing St Edmunds name both sides. With checking on the net I can't find one that has been sold anywhere. MSC search had one in an auction but it was misidentified IMO. Question has anyone seen one on sale anywhere? Was it this good. I have this at EF? If so can you remember the value sold at? Really would like to get a handle on this. Kind regards Mark

Hi Britcoinz, Declan's assesment is about right IMO. Do bear in mind that grading is a opinion and you would do well to err on the conservative side. Most of us start a little optimistically and tone down in time. Truth be told we are all probably a work in progress. Of course as to describing coins we are free to use what ever terms we choose. Might be best to use "choice" for special coins that exceed normal expectations for a grade. Perhaps using it for high grade coins exhibiting particularly attractive features. However that's just an opinion others will differ. Kind regards Mark

Chris, What a star you are for highlighting this. Should we really be surprised? No. For some time now it has been apparent that the RM are really just a marketing company. I think it's just a salutary lesson in why in recent times, things we are told are collectable are not. Skepticism is a very reliable quality in this context. Mark

https://twitter.com/archaeologymag/status/443791541388050432 The above is a twitter link to some of the coins found. Mark

Found it. Thought I had become computer illiterate. But I had not. Its just that thingy don't show on an Ipad. Mark

Well I hadn't heard anything and neither had the BBC. (Smilie, where are they?) Try and get along this week. Just round the corner from me. Mark

http://www.jncoins.co.uk/JNC/modules/blockblog/blockblog-post.php?post_id=2 Wonder what this will throw up? Done well to keep it secret that long. Mark

I would refine this only a little - after 1935, you want coins to be GEF at the very least (which is very nearly uncirculated) except for the rare dates : 1946, 1949, and 1951 brass 3d, 1943/1944 silver 3d, 1952 sixpence, possibly the 1950/1951 pennies. Even coins which are expensive in BU such as 1954 halfcrowns and florins, or 1959 Scottish shillings, plummet like a stone in EF and can picked up for about 1/5 of their of BU price. With the exception of some 1950s halfcrowns, florins, and shillings, you want Elizabeth II coins to be BU. For George VI here is a quick rundown of what you should aim for in BU: Halfcrowns - 1944/45/46, 1948 Florins - ditto Shillings - ditto Sixpences - 1939 to 1951 Silver 3d - 1937/38 Brass 3d - 1937, 1941/42/43/44, 1952 Pennies - 1937/38, 1947/48/49 Halfpennies - 1937/38, 1942/43/44/45, 1952 Farthings - all dates except 1938 Pecks, Comments are unarguable IMO. If you go back further try and buy "everything" in the milled period in GEF or above. There will be some compromises with EF. Perhaps only accept lower grades where the rarity factor is compelling. Take a look at Spink valuations in lower grades from a catalogue say six years ago and compare them with the latest prices. Hardly any movement in prices. Then look at EF and above , check the difference. Of course this is a generalisation, it would have to be, but it's about right. Regards Mark

Dan1, As has been said welcome. You have had some great advice already. Here's some more. Don't be in a hurry, sounds like you are doing the right thing, research, research, research. Consider your budget. Within you budget buy the best you can afford. Low grade coins do not generally appreciate in value, high grade coins tend to. Less really can be more with coins. Get to understand the basics of grading. Buy the grading book on Chris's site, its very good. You may want to consider GV silver, still relatively undervalued in my opinion. If you buy from a dealer talk to them first, a good one will give you time. Buy the least expensive coins within your collecting area first. This will minimise expensive mistakes. You will make them. Don't be frightened to keep pestering this board. You will find a great deal of patience and support. Don't think your questions are scilly, everyone has to start somewhere. Why not let us know what area you focus on? Don't be surprised if you change your mind. Kind regards Mark

Ah not far at all. Let me know. Regards Mark

Peter, Is it between me and you? Should like to have a look if not to far. Let me know if you go ahead. Kind regards Mark

Sadly because ignorance is bliss. Mark

Leeshiel, This is such an interesting story that just seems to run and run. Thanks for sharing it with us. Would it be possible to share Martin's write up when completed? Look for forward to more news. Kind regards Mark

Thanks Chris, Typically what amounts of coins, pre 47, that is are you interested in? Mark

No message Mark. Peter, I had accidentally blocked you, sorry. Please try now. Regards Mark

Many dealers, including Chris Perkins who runs this site and Rotographic, will pay a price for pre-47 which is pretty constant between them (bullion value minus a margin for profit). Why not contact Chris as I'm sure he'd appreciate first refusal? Peck/Peter & Anyone else, Spose what I am asking is what do dealers like Chris do with them. Regards Mark

Hi Peter, Sorry I should have explained that none are worth more than BV. I have checked grades etc. Just have no experience in disposing of BV coins, would be grateful for advice. Regards Mark. Ps Peter please check your in box.

Just been handed a couple of large bags of these. Anyone know the Appox. current value per coin. Also what is the best way of disposing of these? Kind regards Mark