Garrett

Rightio As soon as we work all this out I'm buying this one....

Received the new Downies auction catalogue in the mail this morning. Probably not too much that will excite the crew here but there is a really nice looking 1746 Lima half-crown purportedly UNC with 'attractive golden toning'. Looks nice enough in the picture but the toning looks more like coffee stains. The example I bought in my youth is only VF, but I am not out to upgrade at the moment. Also, wouldn't mind having a side wager that this coin sails well above estimate (750 AUD + commission). I am guessing the online catalogue will be available soon. Cheers Garrett.

Yes beautiful token, and thanks for giving a bit of the story behind it too.

Ha ha classic Peck !

I would have guessed that the right is the obverse because it has a crown (monarchs = obverse) while the shield on the left image reminds me of coats of arms often seen on reverses. I really have no idea though, does any reference works give any opinion ?

I wouldn't worry too much. You'd expect a few 'buggers' here and there in a book like that. A collector would be mad to spend a fortune on a coin based on information from a single source. It's a good book, I like it. Seems easier to navigate than Spink, the prices on the couple of coins I've looked at so far seem more realistic, and I had a third point but I've forgotten (oh hang on I remember - had a farthing variety that Spink didn't list). cheers Garrett.

Welcome to the forum Rich ! Some great responses here. Reading up before you buy is great advice. Keep in mind you can download some really good coin eBooks to your iPhone/iPad as well. It was a good option for me as the eBook was less than the postage on a real book, and your books are available anywhere, anytime. cheers Garrett.

Good one guys and thanks for the correction.

yep - just doubled checked and that's what the book says. Also comparing the pic with the pic on "about farthings" it is indeed a large date ! A couple of lads obviously know their farthings ! (well better than me anyway ) cheers Garrett.

Yes nice sixpence too ! When you said 1953 I thought 'hey I got one of those'. but I don't have one of those !!!

Wow - nice groat ! Well done on picking that one up !

Coins of GB list a large date variety 1845 farthing as 90 pounds in Fine. Spink don't mention it. I've no idea whether this is a large date (no time to research just now, popped in for a chat at lunch but must be off ). cheers Garrett.

Thanks again, just took the time to consult Chris's you-beaut grading book and yes, EF is definately the go. I'll check the book first next time !

OMG

ok thanks, on a closer look I can see that.

Yes, thank you! Had it for a while now. Yes very nice ! Can't see much wear there, is it aUNC or UNC ? (just out of interest as I am trying to improve my grading). cheers Garrett.

Yes nice one Peter. In my very limited experience I think the Britannia side wears faster than the Bun side on those Farthings so I would have bid on that too !

I enjoy coins for their historical interest and probably to a lesser extent their beauty. I try to make good buys because I am still slightly competitive and the research I do before buying an expensive coin is interesting. I am not out to profit, but is nice to know I should be able to get something for my coins if I am forced to sell them towards the pointy end of my life. Not much interested in slabs or numbers in general. May be more interested if buying a heavily faked item. Cheers Garrett

This is a great book ! Been using it (along with the grading book which also seems excellent) to value a lot of 30 farthings I scored on eBay. But is the value for the 1925 farthing a misprint given the mintage compared to others of the 20's? The good news for me is the farthings were poorly photographed and looks like I got a bargain. Cheers Garrett

I am not interested in these "created rarities". I have no problem with them though, as they may attract some to the hobby, and of course they attract a lot of money that might otherwise push the price up on the older bits we are interested in. cheers Garrett.

Welcome !

Happy birthday !

That's a very fancy reverse even without the wardrobe slip. Don't know who thought Georgey would have approved that. Reminds me of the standing liberty quarter. May have been a better chance under G IV. Anyway very nice coin !! Cheers Garrett

yes nice coin Rob ! The tokens of BRG quite nice too. Must be nice to go to a show and see tables with stuff like that, I hope you remembered to eat .

Nice Penny AC, congrats !