secret santa

I have always been a little sceptical about some of the so-called "proofs" and/or "specimens" of the 1874 series. LCA have sold several F74 proof pennies (I have bought one) and although they are sharply struck with good surfaces, I have never been totally convinced that they were struck as proofs. Interestingly, they offered in September 2012 a "unique" 1874 (no H) 6+G penny for sale, ex-Freeman who described it as proof. The accompanying description was interesting as it exemplified the debates around proof/nonproof pennies of that era. The coin was unsold and I don't recall why I didn't buy it - I guess I wasn't convinced.

What software do you use for this ?

Nice artwork Damian, did you produce this yourself ?

Have you seen it in hand ?

I think I'd plump for obv 9 too - the letters look thick enough.

It has just sold for more than £300 - outrageous. I'll try the above later.

The seller has now blocked me and the price is over £100 - how does one contact Ebay about fraud ?

That crossed my mind but it could persuade someone that it's genuine and they might go even higher - that's the last thing I want.

In 1968 between university and starting work I used to go through £5 bags and found one 1950 and a couple of 1953s.

Despite my telling him to amend the description he has ignored it and the bidding is up to £93 now and will probably go higher. This is blatant fraud.

Most of my early penny acquisitions were from CCA and I was a regular through the 80's and 90's. Laurie always had the first pick of the pennies but he was not a hoarder and if he had a better example he would always let the next best go to his auction. Sad to see them go but it's good that they're finishing (at Croydon) through choice rather than being a victim of the internet.

Shane You will soon get used to the "humour" expressed on here.

The original fake copper pennies were easy to spot with their shiny surfaces but it appears they're being produced with a more "lifelike" finish which is harder to spot. The coin below has already attracted several bids (although the starting price should be a clue) but is a modern copy. https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1843-Large-Penny-Queen-Victoria-UNC/174046700799?_trkparms=aid%3D111001%26algo%3DREC.SEED%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D20160811114145%26meid%3De054dda566274366a6b0092fb5fbe2f0%26pid%3D100667%26rk%3D1%26rkt%3D5%26sd%3D174046700799%26itm%3D174046700799%26pmt%3D0%26noa%3D1%26pg%3D2045573&_trksid=p2045573.c100667.m2042 If in doubt - count the teeth - 175 on the genuine obverse, 180 on the fake.

I've just had an private exchange with CoinageBritannia who has agreed that suggestions for improvement should be sent to Spink because they are preparing improvements to the system. I won't quote the email addresses I was given in case they don't want to be deluged with comments but perhaps they will formally invite constructive suggestions.

My experience: Coins I've won from Davissons come packaged with no valuation on the label and so far have attracted no customs duty. Fedex always charge 20% and getting it reduced to 5% has only proved successful once for me. UPS always send you a form on which you can declare it as numismatic items and get the correct 5% charge.

Suddenly the link just worked for me - but the archive search is a dead loss.

This link doesn't seem to work on my desktop PC and the Spink website is the worst in the world at finding past lots in the archive - just doesn't work.

I see that Spink have formally separated the predecimal and decimal books and are now charging for both, thereby increasing the total price from £30 to £39.99. OK for the decimal-only boys but a cheeky move for the rest of us.

Well done Eric - I was hoping to get that coin myself, but the F112 wiped me out !

Who said "nothing's impossible" ?

Difficult to disappear for several hours clutching magnifying glass and chequebook without arousing suspicion............. In fact, difficult to do anything without arousing suspicion.

Yes, I hadn't bought much this year and when I saw that penny, I made up my mind to go for it as it's just about the last variety that I really wanted a nice specimen of. I shall forever dream of owning an Edward VIII penny but that's a good few steps too far !

I have to own up to buying the F112 at LCA a few days ago. The new bathroom has been put on ice and the atmosphere at home is a touch frosty. Your sympathy would be appreciated.

Done, Thanks Jerry.

Yes.