sound

Thought that this was helpful of the mint. I know most on here collect from earlier periods but does anyone have any of these? Mark

Hi Jason, You have received some sound advice from knowledgable posters. I would save it and log it because you won't generally get this for free. The only thing I would add which I don't think has been mentioned is work out a budget. If Victorian shillings at £200+ a hit in high grade are beyond you, it will be frustrating. Look at a catalogue and consider what is affordable over time. If you find it affordable you will find it far more satisfying. Regards Mark

We may find that interest rates do not return to there previous highs. Before the 1970's the world enjoyed much lower interest rates. Of course rates will rise but the new normal could be the old normal. The bubble may burst at the top end of the coin market but the centre may stay firm. Particularly if you buy the idea that more people are collecting than ever before. Mark

Martin at AMR Coins is trustworthy. His descriptions are accurate and fair. Mark

The last glass of red wine was at Xmas. My weakness is rare breed liver/oily fish. It is also down to dehydration. I'm drinking a vast quantity of water and eating cherries. It is getting better. Well those fish will do it. Mine is held at bay by eating red meat rarely, almost no red wine. Mind you I find lager and plenty of White wine no problem at all. Hey Ho life's not all bad. Mark

"Spink don't have a clue on some things. The 1921 shilling with the first obverse, is much rarer than the price differential with the normal type listed in the Standard Catalogue." Do you happen to have one? Mark

Garrett, I have. Trouble is I can't find one as good as this to compare. Regards Mark

"I've got plenty of Uric acid.....2nd bout of gout in 10 years...not to be recommended." Afraid the only solution is to lay off the red wine. Mark

Simon, be pleased to see the picture. Mark

Chris, Thanks for that. Must be rare for CCGB to price higher than Spink. Smile (I'm on my I pad) I think you are nearer the mark. This one is as good as it looks with nearly full lustre. Regards Mark

A little surprised to see Spink values this at £ 200 in uncirculated, the regular 1838 at £180.00. Would have thought the sideways 8 much scarcer. Any thoughts? Mark

Not even subtle anymore Peter! I thought that was subtle for Peter.

It's a mistake to think that 'brightness' is necessarily a sign of cleaning. Polishing would cause it, but looks very unnatural, while dipping actually reduces brightness (increases LIGHTNESS, i.e. colour, but reduces lustre). A coin that has retained its BU condition might indeed look 'bright' and there are many 19th Century silver coins that have a mirror finish, almost prooflike. Peck, I have just used John's method of cleaning using Bicarbonate & Foil on some old low grade silver. Compared to dipping in a Goddard's it seems by far superior for the reasons you have stated. My general feeling is that cleaning should be avoided at all costs. However their will always be that one coin that almost begs to be cleaned. John, The retone looks really good. Just one year? Mark

Peter, After being bundled to death by my Grandsons this weekend have to admit I now qualify as an old un Mark

woops the last one is not a proof. carried away again

Like this one too. John you have pressed the right buttons with me.

Well here's my offering. Yep buyers slow to catch on LOL.

Well Vicky you are probably right, which really supports Johns point. Think its best to get in early before the buyers wake up. Mark

John, Your point is well made, totally agree. Think all 20 Century silver proof coins up to the 1950's are undervalued. I have been accumulating them for some time. Mark

John, Thanks. I have some old low grade silver that I will try it on. Thanks for sharing. Mark

"For a few quid it can become part of your field or experience." I'm sure I will succumb. Mark

Chris, The site looks good. Wish you every success. Incidentally why Arabic coins? Outside my field of experience but just interested in how big the potential market would be in English. Regards Mark

OZjohn, Missed this interesting thread having been away. Thought the results vindicated your decision to clean. Could be argued that it's not really cleaning but preservation. Just wondered whether you care to explain what product you used quantities etc Regards Mark

I think this needs qualifying, with respect. It's good advice for post-1911 (excluding rarities of course), but Edward VII has always been a very difficult reign in the highest grades. In fact, much - the majority? - of Queen Vic is easier than Edward. Certainly, if you exclude the key dates in any given denomination. Agreed, hence " Earlier 20 C be prepared to drop down ( if you can call it that)" but yes I should have been more specific. Regards Mark

VickySilver, Thanks for the confirmation. I suppose where the problem lies is that this area is almost the first place to show wear when considering the difference between uncirculated and EF. Just demonstrates the need to look at the whole coin. Regards Mark