alfnail

The alleged 1858/3 penny was discussed on the forum about 5 years ago, and I put a few reference pictures on that might be useful to share again:- 1858/3 Penny - Page 3 - British Coin Related Discussions & Enquiries - The British Coin Forum - Predecimal.com If you scroll down the page there are several posts with additional pictures. Hope this is helpful reference

Over many years of looking I have seen two 1890's with low 90 on ebay. One of these was low grade, which I couldn't bring my self to buy, so I informed a collecting colleague.......and he bought it. I found the one pictured below much more recently, and was pleased to acquire it for under £70. I think they are rare. By the way, I never did get any reply from Mike Hopkins relatives. The nearest relative was found by heir hunters to be living in Canada, and I asked the appointed Solicitor to pass on my contact details so that I could ask them if Mike's collection had formed part of the inheritance. This was because his house had been broken into after he passed away suddenly (in his house). Also, no one seemed to know if his collection was in safe custody, or in his house. I wonder whether we will ever get an answer to that; it was a fine collection!

I recently found this 1898 penny on ebay. I believe it is Gouby type Ca, which is rare, but I cannot easily find and auction (or other) sale information for this sub-variety. Does anyone have any sale information which might help me value please?

In my experience there are 4 different obverse dies which have been altered to 1848/7. These are illustrated in the pictures below. Whilst Bramah does not have any pictures to illustrate his type 10b, he says the following in his 1929 book:- "The die has been altered from 1847. The 7 shows very plainly beneath the 8, its up-stroke dividing the lower loop of 8 into two unequal parts, that on the left being much the smaller." Interestingly, I have found two different obverse dies which fit Bramah's 10b description. These are the top two pictures shown below. Surprisingly, these Bramah 10b types do not appear on Gouby’s website. Bramah 10c / Gouby C (bottom left) is probably the most common of the 8/7’s Gouby D (bottom right), with the 7 at back of bottom loop of the 8, I think is the rarest type……and probably why Bramah has missed this variety. Gouby Ca and Cb are doubled examples of his variety C I believe his Da is simply a worn example of his type D. He actually remarks upon this himself i.e. "Possibly a worn version of D !?" If anyone wishes to see additional detailed legend pictures to support any of the above then please feel free to contact me.

I particularly like the 1860/59 tie ribbons (plural)............always present in same place + further clashing under Victoria's chin.

The 'ribbon' on this 1859 is die clashing, explained on Gouby's website, where he now also references Peck 404. The 'overlay' picture below also highlights the 'clash' area.

Thanks both, much appreciated

Just back from holiday. Whilst away, on 26th January, I bought a lot of 25 low grade Victorian pennies. One coin amongst them was the very rare 1889 with the 9 high right in the exergue. After 2 to 3 days I enquired of the seller when he intended to post the lot, as he was supposed to have sent tracked, but no details yet on ebay. After a couple more days, and further chasing, he advised that he had sent them, but not tracked. Anyway, a package was received by my neighbour on 3rd February, so I thought that was ok after all. I returned home today, and opened the package to find that the 1889 was not as I expected. The return window has also closed earlier today! I just wanted to check with other members that you agree with me that the received 1889 is not what I bought. The picture on the sale was not great, but I still think that the differences are clear enough. Apart form the different numeral 9 location, I believe there are several other obvious differences. For example, around Britannia's head the received coin has a more pointed top to the plume, a dent in the head and a dark mark on border. I feel fairly confident that the delay must have been because someone else has alerted the seller as to the rarity of this variety, and he has swapped it with a different 1889. However, bearing in mind the poor quality of the image, I would welcome the thoughts of other members before I complain.

Another one of these sold on ebay a couple of days ago for over £260. Perhaps a little better than the one Pete pictured above last year, but not great. Again not attributed, but nevertheless attracted a lot of interest.

I agreed Martin, and here it is. Digital microscope (x140) picture of 'H' to follow. Any views please, I've struggled to classify it as a fake myself......but then what do I know about metallurgy!?

I believe there is also a rare 1890 date variety which is not documented by Gouby. The 9 is clearly higher than the numeral 8. It also seems to be rotated clockwise a little and, perhaps, has a longer tail.

Have been looking for a decent one of these on ebay for years. Have only seen a couple of lower grade ones, and I'm thinking the variety is 'rare', rather than 'scarce' as per Gouby.