jelida

Which of the obverse dies is the one without the crack, Bob? It certainly looks very fresh, and does its reverse display the crack below the N of penny? It clearly comes early in one of the two production die pairings. Interesting that both dies did crack from the top leaf, but slightly differently of course. Jerry PS just noticed that it has the doubled A in VICTORIA, thus the later production die pairing. The reverse die should be 'middle aged'.

Yes, clearly the case, I have just checked my five N over N sideways, same die combinations as yours, and same progression in the reverse die crack. I have two of the earlier obverse (doubled tail to R in REG) and 3 of the later ( doubled A in VICTORIA and rotated R in BRITT) . Jerry

They are on their way, it took several days for an email confirmation after the order. I will certainly report the outcome, though they are not the same as the one I am trying to match. Either way, Non, I'm very grateful for your help. Jerry

Yes, that is it. Looks authentic to me too, having dug many soil found hammies over the years. But needs accurate weight , and the opinion of an appropriate expert to be sure. But if right, what a find! Jerry

I see what you mean. Thats rather nice, isn't it? R of REG, by the way. Jerry

There were two obverse 2 dies used the 1860 N over N sideways, they are both fairly often found and both have repairs. I tend to look for the A of VICTORIA which is also badly repaired. Jerry

Happy Morning After! ??

Me too, other then pages I looked at last night and which might be in the computers cache.

I dont think it is a secret, his site was advertised below his posts before the forum server change, and is still available if you google 'my penny collection', near the top of results for me. Comparison with the CC photos in Coin News confirms the link. Jerry

Ah yes, I know whose collection it is now. Some nice specimens. Jerry

Is it still available on the net? Jerry

Hi Pete, I've just been through my tub of 50 ex circulation 1896 pennies. The numbers are as follows. BP 1896 Aa 45 BP 1986 Ab 4 BP 1896 Ac 1 BP 1896 Ad 0 So this is clearly a rarity on my small sample, well done! Jerry

I watched it too, but came to the same conclusion. But the lower bar does look weak. I have seen 1861 ONF pennies referenced, so maybe as the die wore there are some true examples out there. I am a bit sad that Zencoins has pulled the Ebay item that I and another were bidding on, presumably some-one has made an off Ebay offer. Not F6 as described, but Gouby BP 1860 A. Corrosion, but still a valuable coin, would have liked to compete at the end.☹️ http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/272218492683?_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT Jerry

They do look good. I will try a pack. Thanks, Non. Jerry

No, sadly. I was referring to examples of coins from one or two die pairings, there are many others of course. Jerry

Its one reverse and two different obverses, Bob. Jerry

I am really looking for rimless capsules, I find them more attractive. Airtite and Guardhouse in the USA make lovely capsules, but not in 31mm, and the 30.6mm 'half dollar' capsule does not fit. The Leuchtturm Ultra are nice, but the nearest sise is 32.5mm so rattly. But I know some-one makes them, as I have one that came with a coin! Waiting to try some Schulz caps now. Jerry

In fact I sent pics to Richard earlier this afternoon. I think it is interesting to look at the die totals used and die linkage with these very rare coins, and attempt to relate the results to total known. The relatively common F10 1860 N over N sideways for example seems to be one reverse die paired with two different obverse dies, both with evidence of repair. The new F10 2* obverse seems to occur on two dies, both only found (so far) showing severe cracking. But it looks as though there were a greater number of F reverse dies used over the various obverses, but with poor survival to the present. Careful study might reveal a defecit in survival compared to total dies used. Perhaps indicative of the batch of newly minted coinage exported to some far flung corner of the empire? Or dies only ever treated as a trial, and never used for general production? Jerry

Hi Ian, my F24 is the Elstree specimen which is already on Richards site. I attach a pic of my F32 reverse for info. Jerry

Hi Kumarik, welcome to the forum. Looking at the state of this coin, it probably does just about merit a posting in the 'hammered' category, as you have done?. It is probably a fake, they have been widely forged, often with wrong die pairings and edge legends. The quality can be quite good,and weights normal. The problem is so great in terms of numbers in circulation that the design and shape of the £1 coin has been revised, for release in early 2017. Jerry

IT it is, thanks Prax. Jerry

Not pennies, thankfully. Air miles certainly, in two days he's off to Japan to prepare for his wedding to a Tokyo girl. Then he's living there. His workplace is where his computer is, though the money comes from the USA. Its going to feel strange for us, him being so far away. At least we should get some nice holidays as a result. Jerry

I know nothing of viking coinage, but the rulers name is given as REGNALD CVNVI on this coin, and the reverse may read AVRA MONIT REI'. I cant find an exact parallel in Spink, though the style is certainly like no. 1022. Needs an expert to pronounce on its authenticity. Jerry

This one is simply labeled '1862 penny' though the vendor knew what it was. I can live with that. But if I intended to slab my whole collection (which I don't) I would want them fully identified, hence I suppose the benefit of CGS. I don't know if the UK branch of NGC would be better, is the grading undertaken here?

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