Michael-Roo

My guess would be: 'could not give a f**k'.

I first became interested in the late 1960s when 'checking your change' was all the rage and would often check my parents coins each evening then ask for any old ones I found as an advance on my pocket money. The earliest I came across (and still have somewhere) were 1860 bun pennies and halfpence. After 100+ years in circulation total washers, but unimaginably old and full of history in the eyes of a primary school kid.

Nearer fine than very fine for me.

While there are plenty of rogues about I'm sure honest people do make genuine mistakes at times too, particularly if they're not sure what it is they are offering for sale.

The page which includes that photo is a useful resource for general information but, as it hasn't been revised (I think) since 2004, the values given will be out of date. http://www.irishcoinage.com/MILL3CAT.HTM

Its a farthing, so could be 1674, but I think I may see hint of a 3 to the right in the exergue. The date run is: 1671 (pattern, this has a stop after Carolo and the 'loose drapery' reverse, so its not that.) /1672/1673/1674/1675/1679. The date run for the halfpenny is: 1672/1673/1675. Even not knowing the size I can see by the designs of the portrait and of Britannia that yours is a farthing but, being honest, whatever the date, in that condition I wouldn't worry about it.

I have a 'Coins Annual 1972' (so probably published towards the end of '71?) in which I've found a full page advertisement from F.J Jeffery & Son. Included in the 'Sets of the World' section of their ad is 'GB 1970 proof (8)' for which £1 deposit per set is required. Would this have been for orders taken in advance of the mint issuing them? In the current British coins prices pages of the same book, under 'Proof and Specimen Sets' there is no mention of anything post 1953.

Ok, so it isn't a 1/2d, but as 'a gem for your collection' a snip at the opening price. http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1673-Charles-II-Copper-Half-Penny-Extremely-Rare-/152557870542?hash=item2385285dce:g:n~4AAOSwR29ZI1CZ

But I should have added, I was lucky to get it for that price, I would expect it to sell for more.

Yours is a shilling. XII above the crown and sceptres = 12 pence. I can't quite make them out in your photo but the month of issue is indicated by the three letters below the crown and sceptres. You can see on my half crown (of thirty pence, hence XXX) the letters Oct.

Don't know if its any help but I paid 40-something quid for this half crown last year.

Good that you have shared your experience. I guess the message is 'one to avoid like the plague'! £5 a day storage? I had no idea available space in a matchbox could be so expensive. …And £12 to post the coins from Warrington to Durham?!?!

Your most recent photos are of either an Irish halfpenny or farthing (you don't say what size it is). I see the date begins '18' so it would be 1805 or 1822 if a halfpenny, or 1806 if a farthing.

Hi Declan, Buy them from a reputable bullion dealer. If there's something particular you're after Bullion By Post sell specific dates and mints. I've always found them to be very good and have had batches of sovereigns from them which, although sold as 'best value', have included Ed VII and Geo V coins in EF condition.

After our original chat last week, during which we established these were kosher, I also ordered one. Apart from a few minor bag marks its in lovely condition and has lots of original lustre. A common date, but at £50 delivered, it would've been daft not to. Oh, and I agree with Mr.B, they haven't been cleaned.

I'd say fine obverse (plus a rim knock) and near fine reverse.

I've had a look at the seller's feedback. Before these halfpennies no coins at all, not one. Weird.

He also has one offered for bidding (rather than BIN), and is using the exact same photos. http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1841-Young-Victoria-Half-Penny-very-lustrous-/142372128420?hash=item21260a46a4:g:Hp0AAOSwX61ZCxYI

Like you, I think they look ok but why would someone who doesn't sell coins have ten (still ten after you've bought one?) all brilliant uncirculated, and all so brilliant uncirculated that you're not even required to select the specimen you want?

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1841-Young-Victoria-Half-Penny-very-lustrous-/142373040954?hash=item212618333a:g:Hp0AAOSwX61ZCxYI 'Ten available'……..

A GIN AND ORANGE, ...A LEMON SQUASH, ...AND A SCOTCH AND WATER…..PLEASE!!!!! A Fawlty Towers quote. I think its from the episode in which Basil is sucking up to the con man who's passing himself off as a lord. One of my favourites, well, that and the one about the inept builder, or the gourmet evening, or the hotel inspector, or…. actually, they're all excellent.

A GIN AND ORANGE, ...A LEMON SQUASH, ...AND A SCOTCH AND WATER…..PLEASE!!!!!

Yey! Nice one Peter.

It all started with this post from Peter which is also offensive. I think this should be deleted from the thread too.

Non-regal contemporary counterfeits are known with the date 1776, which is why Coppers asked. Your 1773 looks like 3 over 7. There's a 1773 3 over 7 in the Nicholson collection of halfpennies although yours doesn't die match that one. Thanks for scanning the William III. Standard issue I'm afraid, but nice to have all the same.