1950 specimen set or proof set?

[ajhooven]

Hi,

I recently inherited a set of 1950 british coins and would like to know if they would be classified as a 'specimen set' or a 'proof set'.

Being new to the world of numismatics, i have spent most of the day researching online and although i have found it very interesting, i have also found parts confusing (especially grading and valuation).

The coins are in a red box and the only marking on the box is an emblem with 'Royal Mint' along the bottom.

It contains 9 coins:-

Penny

Half Penny

Farthing

Three Pence

Six Pence

One Shilling (english)

One Shilling (scottish) - research paid off here!

Two Shilling (florin?)

Half Crown

The coins are obviously uncirculated but would they be proofs and also what would be the likely value? ( i am looking into selling them)

I presume they would be worth more as a set rather than as individuals.

There is some tarnishing of the coins.

I can organise some pics if that would help and anyone is interested.

Thanks

[1949threepence]

It's almost certainly a proof set, as they appeared in red boxes.

One is shown advertised here

Obviously, it will be worth something, but the tarnishing you refer to may detract from its value. If you could upload an image, we might be able to give you a more defnite idea of its value.

[ajhooven]

One is shown advertised here

Yes thats the one.

It's hard to tell the condition of those coins from the picture. (if it is a picture of the actual coins they are selling as they use library images)

I am guessing that price would be for an immaculate set?

I will upload a picture of my set in the next day.

Thanks for the link and help.

[Peckris]

One is shown advertised here

Yes thats the one.

It's hard to tell the condition of those coins from the picture. (if it is a picture of the actual coins they are selling as they use library images)

I am guessing that price would be for an immaculate set?

I will upload a picture of my set in the next day.

Thanks for the link and help.

Don't worry too much about tarnishing. Most proof sets before 1970 tend to have some toning, and it rarely affects the value, or only a little. Scratches or other ugliness - yes, toning - no (unless it is very bad). You'd have to pay somewhere around £100 for a 1950 set now, give or take. (I'd say that £225 tag is a bit optimistic, unless I'm way out of touch with recent increases).

Edited September 6, 2009 by Peckris

[ajhooven]

Here are the images. I have tried to keep as much resolution as i could.

[ajhooven]

225 pounds does sound optimistic.

Thanks Peckris

[Peckris]

I assume that what look like black marks may just be loose bits of felt? There's a slight spotting on the obverse of the florin and one of the shillings; the bronze has the usual uneven toning; in all, I would say that is a fairly typical 1950 set. Could be better, but could be a lot worse too.

If you keep an eye on adverts and auction listings and eBay, you should get a fair idea of the current selling price.

[ajhooven]

I assume that what look like black marks may just be loose bits of felt? There's a slight spotting on the obverse of the florin and one of the shillings; the bronze has the usual uneven toning; in all, I would say that is a fairly typical 1950 set. Could be better, but could be a lot worse too.

If you keep an eye on adverts and auction listings and eBay, you should get a fair idea of the current selling price.

The felt crumbles at a touch, so i guess that is what it is. I cant see black marks when looking at the actual coins. Could you point out the marks that concern you and i will take a closer look.

Now that i know what i am looking for i will keep an eye on adverts and auctions.

I will probably end up listing them on ebay... as much as i hate ebay!

Thanks for taking the time to help... much appreciated.

[Peckris]

I assume that what look like black marks may just be loose bits of felt? There's a slight spotting on the obverse of the florin and one of the shillings; the bronze has the usual uneven toning; in all, I would say that is a fairly typical 1950 set. Could be better, but could be a lot worse too.

If you keep an eye on adverts and auction listings and eBay, you should get a fair idea of the current selling price.

The felt crumbles at a touch, so i guess that is what it is. I cant see black marks when looking at the actual coins. Could you point out the marks that concern you and i will take a closer look.

Now that i know what i am looking for i will keep an eye on adverts and auctions.

I will probably end up listing them on ebay... as much as i hate ebay!

Thanks for taking the time to help... much appreciated.

Especially on the reverses , some coins have what looks like faint black (or dark blue?) lines, very thin, like pencil marks

[ajhooven]

I assume that what look like black marks may just be loose bits of felt? There's a slight spotting on the obverse of the florin and one of the shillings; the bronze has the usual uneven toning; in all, I would say that is a fairly typical 1950 set. Could be better, but could be a lot worse too.

If you keep an eye on adverts and auction listings and eBay, you should get a fair idea of the current selling price.

The felt crumbles at a touch, so i guess that is what it is. I cant see black marks when looking at the actual coins. Could you point out the marks that concern you and i will take a closer look.

Now that i know what i am looking for i will keep an eye on adverts and auctions.

I will probably end up listing them on ebay... as much as i hate ebay!

Thanks for taking the time to help... much appreciated.

Especially on the reverses , some coins have what looks like faint black (or dark blue?) lines, very thin, like pencil marks

They were bits of felt. I will take some better pictures when i list them.