secret santa

I've seen quite a few collections sold over the last 12 years, including some major collections of the more obscure Freeman and Gouby varieties and it does feel to me that there aren't that many (if any) new variety collectors with money to spend. My theory in general is that we Baby Boomers are the last generation with disposable income together with the nostalgia for the pre-decimal age, in coins, music, stamps, cars etc etc. When we all pass away I wonder whether the next generation will be interested in the things that we hold precious - all collections may slowly fade away to nothing in value. It's interesting to watch the various antiquey programs and see how items come in and out of fashion, e.g. brown furniture (which I still adore). I'm not sure if they actually ever come back. As for pennies, it does seem that the proof coins more than hold their value. The 1839 proof penny is not all that rare but continues to rise in prices realised at auction. I suspect that obscure varieties may not be a great investment prospect. Maybe varieties of mobile phones are the next collectable ?

My question actually did bring one or two serious responses........................ I suppose I should be grateful for small mercies.

Uncirculated ? I very much doubt it !!!!!!

Which variety is this one ?

In June 2015 a poorish 1882 F112 (no H) penny sold at London Coin auction for £2808. Yesterday it sold again at DNW for only £521. Is this the end for bronze and copper ?

You're in !

A wordpress user called "richf03" has requested access to my penny collection website - but I don't know who this is ! If you identify yourself, I'll almost certainly grant access.

In my opinion, storage in a Whitman folder isn't going to leave any wear marks on a bronze coin.

I pretty much agree with this but would include "mule" coins where a coin is struck with an unusual die pairing, either planned or by accident.

I have tried in vain to get refunds of import duty where it has been charged at 20%. The process is inoperable.

http://www.coincabinets.com/

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Victoria-bun-Head-1889-Penny-aEF/263708188996?hash=item3d663ba144:g:o7gAAOSwa3BaFy6k Grading a little optimistic ? Unless EF means Extremely Filthy ?

Check out the F15 for a central fishtail - there are some interesting varieties in that subgroup.

This is a promising start. Coins are little works of art and, if you find a particular denomination attractive or impressive, you will derive great pleasure in finding out more about it/them. Read about them as people have said, and the fascination will develop. I think you will get greater pleasure from collecting rather than investing and people's love for their particular subject just sings out from contributions on this forum. Half crowns have some of the most beautiful artistic designs seen on British coins.

Thanks for that info, Mike. I believe that he had some really nice coins - the anticipation is killing me !

F27 would be a hell of a find - think you meant to type F22.

That works - but I can't bring the photographs up on any particular lot ????????????????????

Did you find it ? My attempts to search their archive fail dismally.

Just about all the die 4s that I've seen have been very well worn. I've never seen one better than AF as I recall. You could wait for ever for a nice one.

Try my varieties website - the pictures are much bigger than Freeman's book (unless you're looking them on a mobile phone in which case Gawd help you)

It appears that the 1901 has the last 1 over a gap because the 1 is tilted slightly. Have you by any chance checked with Michael Gouby that the one he talks about in his book was also tilted ?

And the sea does NOT cross the linear circle (unlike rev G) - very distinctive.

I think my Canon macro lens was about £600 but worth its weight in gold.

I've just checked my spare F16's and one has got some teeth marks from a die clash which are suspiciously similar to my original specimen above. Perhaps it's just a die clash which looks a bit like L C WYON.......

Don't worry, you see much worse than that on the forum !