jelida

Superb explanation, and I second Peters expression of thanks; I refer to your books (I have the earliest and two later editions) almost every day. Jerry

Thanks Bernie, fascinating, never knew that, now I'm going to have to look for Reverse d varieties! At least not too expensive. I've got a long way to go to be a 'real' Penny expert. Jerry

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Lot-of-7-Ancient-Coins-Wessex-Alfred-the-Great-Danish-Northumbria-Siefred-/191654064744?hash=item2c9f78f268 Complete with provenance, so must be good! Jerry

Thanks, Bernie. Out of interest, the reverse die used on this coin is extremely worn, with little fine detail remaining, as was one shown by Dave (Azda) on this forum several years ago. I wonder whether the die was declared 'unfit for purpose' fairly early in its use in this pairing, hence the rarity? Have any members seen this combination with a 'crisp' reverse die? Jerry

Within the last couple of weeks, but from overseas. Jerry

I put the wrong obverse on! What an a*se I am, in a hurry to get to Quiz night at the pub! (did awfully). Anyhow, lets try again. F21 I hope this time; Jerry

Though I agree doesnt show on the scan, strangely! Will post a pic in a mo.

Not obverse 6, has L C Wyon on bust; better look again! Obverse 3 Rev D Jerry

Hi all, two new Ebay purchases in the post this morning for your delectation (or otherwise); Firstly a rather nice 1867 with plenty of lustre, very nice in the hand. £130 And secondly, I hope, an F21 1861 penny. Somebody else rated it too, as it shot up from twenty quid to £410 in the final seconds. R18 in Freeman. Jerry PS looking forward to the 'Midland' on Sunday

Hi Pete, We will really need a good photo, to give us clues to why the word is missing. If due to wear and damage since leaving the mint, it will have no extra value. If it is a genuine coin but impaired as a result of faulty manufacture, it may be worth a few extra pounds. Jerry

From my personal finds, and those of club members, I would say that metal-detected sovereigns and half sovereigns occur in roughly equal numbers, which should reflect usage in the pocket (or purse). Jerry

I would be interested if still available, will send a pm. Jerry

I'm really sorry to hear that, Peter, I hope she makes a speedy recovery and comes home soon, but if they feel she needs observation then the advice must be taken. I'm sure normality will be resumed shortly, keep your spirits up. Jerry

Wow, what a wonderful colour! One to forever cherish. Jerry

And a cracking price too! ? Jerry

Super coin Jac, not spotted one of those yet. Jerry

Hi all, the 1863 penny did improve with most of the black residue washing away with acetone; at least I think its better! I have also posted a couple of snapshots with a penny from my wallet to try to show the tone- still a bit light, but tolerable, and I still cant get the lustre to show! Jerry

There is also the Laurence Bamford example, unless it is one of those mentioned above. The 'dirty' appearance to the lettering and some design was one of the reasons I had to see this before buying. The tone and overall colour are much nicer and more natural in the hand, with plenty of original lustre, but I suspect it may well have been 'dipped' in the past before it was lacquered, it was after all all the rage at one time, even I had one of those Lindner kits in the '70's consisting of 'coin cleaner', lacquer and lacquer remover in three wide-topped jars. Luckily I didnt have any decent coins at that time. Under the binocular microscope some of the 'black' may be old lacquer and some looks like waxy residue that could be removed with a cocktail stick, except that a cocktail stick looks like a fence post under the lens. I might try a further acetone dip, but overall the coin looks very acceptable. Jerry

My latest couple of pennies; firstly an F111 1882H in GVF from the Midland Coin Fair, a hint of lustre still in a couple of letters. Its the first I've come across, and will fill the gap until a better one comes along. These seem to me more difficult to find than the Spink pricing would suggest. Secondly, a nice 1863 penny that appeared briefly on Ebay until, inundated by offers, the London based dealer realized what he had and pulled it. After some hard negotiation and a tentative trip to London I have acquired it at a price that I am sure would be bettered at auction. Certainly I'm never likely to find another as good. Its the 'open 3' variety. The streaks on the field were caused by old lacquer trickles, now removed with acetone, though there is perhaps still a little in the lettering. Actually has very pleasing toned lustre in the hand, which does not scan well. Jerry

Minor degrees of misalignment are common. The edge looks OK to me, looks a nice coin but the weight will be the final arbiter. Jerry

I would go for an electrolytic method to remove the corrosion products. Jerry

This nice penny sold for £255 at the London Coin Auction barely a month ago; looks like a purloined picture scam to me...... http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Penny-1882H-Freeman-115-dies-12-N-UNC-/271924021979?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item3f4fef4adb Jerry

Is Mario Draghi a friend of Sepp Blatter.......? Same mould, perhaps. More money than morals. Bring back the Drachma, I used to love my Greek Island trips in the eighties (hands up those who had Dana Faracos' "Greek Island Hopping" and God bless Freddie Laker! Jerry

It will be interesting. And I agree with everything you've said tonight, Dave. Apart from the comments on that lovely Mr Cameron, of course........... Jerry

Well done, fingers crossed! Jerry