jelida

Petrol will work in most cases, followed by a wash in pure acetone, neither of these will alter the coin physically. But most important is not to rub the coin surfaces, nothing more than a dab with clean cotton wool or soft artists brush to wash away any softened residue. As ever, practice first on a less valued coin. Jerry

Shame we can’t report people for being a PRATT! Jerry

Report under ‘Prohibited and restricted items’ then choose ‘Stamps, currency and coins’ then you have a choice including ‘Replica coins, replica currency, replica stamps’. Jerry

Report please. His Charles shilling is a replica too. https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Very-Rare-Edward-6th-Hammered-Silver-Shilling-C1549-1550/323505234992?hash=item4b526a2430:g:-WIAAOSw0W9byGdB Jerry

Ouch! I would try and find a way to pay promptly, their terms appear fairly strict (though I have no personal experience of them) and I suspect any default would work out expensive in the long run. Can you not eliminate the wire fee by paying with PayPal, as a ‘gift’ if necessary? Even a standard PayPal fee would probably be cheaper than the wire charge. They give the sale price as $336, I presume this includes the buyers premium? Nice coin though. Jerry

Spotting that it is the only example in a database of 500 sounds pretty good research to me! And a good buy for 100 Euro I would say, whether or not it currently attracts a premium, it probably will when you have finally published your study. Jerry

Yes, I saw that on Numisbids, but a few hours after the auction! Correctly described, but wonderfully cheap! Well done, I wondered if it would find its way back to the UK. Jerry

And done.

It can only have been made out of two separate coins, as the halfpenny has been struck within a collar - it has an outer edge. Somebody has been playing about with a lathe. It has no numismatic value. Jerry

I assume that when there is a genuine bid, but below the reserve, they have to introduce a ‘house’ bid before they can knock the item down, otherwise the genuine bidder might think he has won the item. Not an issue when there are no bids at all, of course. Jerry

Also don’t forget the RM might still have the original dies............ Jerry

Yes, this is one of the other differences between the two reverses. Well done on the ‘shuttle’ penny, you must look at a lot! Jerry

Wheras this coin is positively angelic! https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1864-QUEEN-VICTORIA-PENNY-UPPER-SERAPH-4-NICE-COLLECTABLE-COIN-SCARCER-DATE/273479590540?hash=item3faca7628c:g:idkAAOSwzfNbqhDZ Jerry

That was pretty much my thought. Interesting, but not I think what the seller implies. Again.....

It isn’t......is it? https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Victoria-Penny-1877-Small-Date-RARE/332817636500?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649 Jerry

The rounded top lighthouse coins are rare, I think you have done well to find 1-2 per cent of your 1861’s with this reverse. It is possible that a new master die was made up rather than an existing die modified, though at what stage in the process the Britannia/lighthouse/rock were changed I have no idea, whether an existing punch was altered or a new punch made from scratch. As there are no 1860 reverse F we can I think safely assume that the reverse D came first and if an existing die was modified this would seem the most likely candidate. Jerry

You are lucky you were outbid. This is a common fake, and a common fake sellers ploy, sticking it in amongst a load of c**p, this often happens with siege pieces too Jerry

Try and get some crisper photos, very difficult to be sure from these. But if the surfaces are genuinely as described by the auctioneer, he may well be right. Throughout this thread, as Rob alludes to in an earlier post, some of these variations are in the die and strike, ie we are grading the die rather than the coin. The Davissons photos suggest a nice coin, but I do agree some of your other illustrations show coins with a little more detail. It comes down to experience with the coin in the hand, and I feel that a continuation of the protected field surface over the raised elements of the design is a massive clue in terms of lustre, sheen, texture, colour, indicating whether the coin has actually had much handling. Some of the early twentieth century bronzes that I collect have minimal remaining fine detail yet full original lustre. The combination of a crisp early strike and lack of circulation can be elusive - and attracts a premium even for a relatively common coin. Jerry

I would get on to DNW. This is an issue they should resolve. Jerry

I think most are genuine , but they are continental and plain and I find them rather uninteresting. They are at least cheap. There are many fakes around though on EBay and good feedback is no guarantee. Have a look at the Ebays worst offerings thread. Don’t be afraid to seek a second opinion here before purchase. Jerry

I have scales the same type , they have lasted several years with no problems and seem accurate. Jerry

https://www.ebay.ie/itm/iNi-Great-Britain-James-I-Sixpence-1606-Fourth-bust-mm-Escallop-VF/222827683810?hash=item33e1909fe2:g:2e8AAOSwFLBaegx2 http://www.leodishammeredcoins.co.uk/index.php?main_page=product_music_info&products_id=517 What do you hope to spend? Here are a couple of online 1606 for starters; you really need a day at a coin fair, you could probably get most of what you want in one go. Jerry

I was happy with my three pennies.......all silver, and hammered to boot! Most pleased with the Stephen from the Hereford Mint at £480 hammer. But sadly I know my late mate Ray Inder paid £800 for it.......😕. Yes, the 1860 E over P was ridiculously cheap, even though it is a little battered around the edges. And lot 580 did OK despite being mis-described in the catalogue. I feel that DNW is more of a buyers than a sellers market for the bronze series, over several recent auctions. Jerry

The ‘R’ is for David Ramage I believe. Worked at the Tower, but responsible for a lot of tokens. Jerry

Welcome Budgie. I would certainly echo Paddy’s advice, and don’t be in a rush to buy the first coins you see, learn so that you can make informed decisions, and don’t be afraid to seek second opinions on this forum. If you are close to a coin fair, treat yourself to a day out. This is a super hobby, follow what appeals to you personally and decide on an approach to collecting. You could be hooked for the rest of your days! Jerry