Exbrit

My concern is that the focus might (or probably has in some quarters) shift from the coin to the grade. So instead of people looking for a nicer coin, they seek a higher number.This to me is the inherent problem with all TPGS. Whether one is better or not is to me, a moot point. Protection of coins, conservation, authentication? I have no problems with any of those.But fuelling the 'number chasing' craze? They are all bad in that respect to my eyes and as Rob alludes, people need to learn to make up their own minds about a coin, instead of relying on someone else. IMHO..I totally agree that chasing the number is a problem. everyone should learn to grade and judge each coin on it's own merits. I also agree that registry sets tend to attract buyers of the number and not the coin. My argument is for those who are unsure of their grading skills and enjoy the hobby by collecting already graded coins - a universal grading system would be beneficial - as long as consistency in grading applies.

A common grading scale is irrelevant if whatever is used is consistently applied. The failure to implement the latter is the reason for the scepticismAgree - consistency is the key, but a common scale is also needed for ease of the collector.

I have a few sovereigns but not really a collection. My most interesting is S.3866A, which Spink until recently described as 'extremely rare'. I notice that the 2014 catalogue now gives prices for this coin which don't really support the 'extremely' description!

Good discussion. How long has CGS been around? I would assume not longer than PCGS. Why on earth would they go with a 100 point system? NGC has been around for a while and are expanding overseas. I would think a common rating scale and some cooperation between the TPGs would enhance business all around. Each having their own thiefdom may work well now - but in the long term for the hobby - a common grading scale is needed.

That looks to be the same as the 2013 Spinks price. The S3866A is £350 in F, £750 in VF, £1100 in EF. No price given for UNCThat looks to be the same as the 2013 SPINKS price. Bentley collection in EF is extremely rare. I haven't looked to see if Marsh has it listed. Nice coin. I collect the series, all mints and varieties. Wish I had one of those.

I only have the Spinks 2013 catalog - what is the new 2014 price for the S.3886A? I do not have that variety - just the 3886. Also - someone mentioned above about over dates and delays in shipping dies. I believe the 1872/1 over date occurred in Australian soveriegns because of a shipping delay of the dies from London. If I remember correctly the ship with the dies sank.

I know many of you do not like TPG's, plastic tombs and all, but which TPG do you believe does the better job grading British coins? Neither - should not be an answer. Which TPG does the worst job grading? The Aussie's seem to prefer PCGS. This question also applies to the colonial (Imperial) mints in Australia, Canada, South Africa and India.

Picked up a 1925 SA Sovereign - EPN

Hello Chris, just purchased your ePub book, but cannot open it with Safari or through the GDS iPad app. I sent you a PM with my order information. Please email it to me. Thanks

$29.99 US

Does anyone know if there are 1880/70 (second eight punched over seven) sovereigns for the Sydney and Melbourne mints? Also - how far along are you in your sovereign collections? Any date and mint mark collectors out there?

Coinmanage customer service stinks. It is easy to use, but they are missing some coins in their library.