Colin G.

I must admit I always try to leave feedback once the buyer has paid, but there are circumstances when I do not, and that is when as you say communication is poor from the offset. I think a sweeping statement of saying the buyer has fulfilled their duties once paid is not strictly true. Buyers can still have other areas of the "transaction" where they as a "buyer" can create problems for example as Chris stated where they do not read terms and conditions then blame you as the seller, and in my opinion this is still part of the transaction and when feedback is left immediately after payment, the opportunity to inform other sellers is lost. I will continue to issue feedback first and hope that with my service levels and through communication I can resolve most issues, but you can never protect yourself against that species the "ebay moron" I have had the pleasure of meeting one or two over the past few years!!! Thanks Colin G.

Can anyone recommend a good publication that details the coin manufacturing process. I know Peck and others touch on the subject, and I am aware of the basic processes, but I am after something that discusses in detail how the process evolved and how dies were repaired etc. Is there such a book that anyone is aware of? Many Thanks Colin G.

Chris/Rob, Thanks for the information, very helpful!!! I must admit that I thought the strike quality was not "proof" standard, but not having many proofs in my collection (mainly due to budget!!!) it is difficult to distinguish. I have never seen one of these previously, and it is interesting that you have seen similar coins for this date. Makes you wonder whether similar finishes occur for other dates in the veiled head series, or other denominations that year, or whether it was just an eager apprentice who spent too much time polishing the farthing dies in 1895!!! Thanks Again Colin G.

Ebay is a good source for Whitman folders, there are normally plenty for sale. Thanks Colin G.

Chris, Thanks for the quick reply, it is the raised areas to the left of the 1, that do resemble a 5, although they are much fainter. Thanks Colin G.

Hi, I have attached an image of an 1851 Half Farthing, and am curious as to whether it is the 1/5 variety. Colin Cooke lists the variety, but I cannot find a close up image. There is definitely something below the 1 which could be a 5 but I would like to see a better grade example for confirmation. Many Thanks Colin G.