1860 Copper halfpenny

[Nicholas]

In the days prior to having kids I used to buy now and then what I would perceive as a good investment coin either from spink or one of the us auction houses.. One of these was an 1860 copper halfpenny. Now I'm not sure what do with it. It doesn't fit into my central collection of Charles 1 group. . It seems a bit specialised for the general market and fear I will lose in this process. I guess I would like to know this coins rarity, the current halfpenny market interest level and any other info about it to help decide... Haven't seen many in recent auctions.

http://i1322.photobucket.com/albums/u567/2tearsinabucket1/50AB18AC-63B7-4B1D-83B6-AB607132AEF7-645-00000081F5217CFD_zpsd3be7cf0.jpg

[argentumandcoins]

In the days prior to having kids I used to buy now and then what I would perceive as a good investment coin either from spink or one of the us auction houses.. One of these was an 1860 copper halfpenny. Now I'm not sure what do with it. It doesn't fit into my central collection of Charles 1 group. . It seems a bit specialised for the general market and fear I will lose in this process. I guess I would like to know this coins rarity, the current halfpenny market interest level and any other info about it to help decide... Haven't seen many in recent auctions.

http://i1322.photobucket.com/albums/u567/2tearsinabucket1/50AB18AC-63B7-4B1D-83B6-AB607132AEF7-645-00000081F5217CFD_zpsd3be7cf0.jpg

Which auction house did you buy it from and roughly how recently?

The only reason I ask is that there are forgeries of this coin on the market and unlikely to be spotted unless sold by a major house (UK auction house). Your picture is not exactly the best for making an assessment on authenticity.

If genuine, very scarce and highly saleable. The market for high grade rare coins is bouyant in the UK and it should comfortably find a new home whilst showing you a decent return on your investment.

If you wish to sell you should probably go to Spink, DNW, St James's or Baldwins and you would be able to secure a 0% commission on a coin of that value.

[Nicholas]

Thank you for the info. I purchased it from spink 2007 i recall.

[Coinery]

Are there any good quality images of the forgery around, John? Is it a clear spot?

[Peter]

You could put it on Ebay with a BIN & best offer but good images will be required.

Some investigation will be required on which way to go.

Unless you need the money I would stay as is.I could spend many a happy evening with that.

[Chingford]

Are there any good quality images of the forgery around, John? Is it a clear spot?

The most obvious feature of the forgery is an elongated serif to the 1 in the date, I only have a poor image of a forgery listed last year on Ebay, I have paired it with the Nicholsons coin.

[Coinery]

Are there any good quality images of the forgery around, John? Is it a clear spot?

The most obvious feature of the forgery is an elongated serif to the 1 in the date, I only have a poor image of a forgery listed last year on Ebay, I have paired it with the Nicholsons coin.

Many thanks for that, chingford, much appreciated!

[VickySilver]

I would definitely NOT select ebay as buyers would have to guard themselves in their bidding without being able to see and hold the coin. Possibly (oh, no here we go) without being graded. Difficult to figure an auction price for this as I have seen some imaginative prices that have not found buyers. There likely would be a buyer two here on this forum I would imagine - at the right price. I guess I would admit to being one of them; say, you don't have a spare mint 1845 1/2d hiding anywhere?

Not to pirate the thread, and admittedly not the exact same type of coin, but the Baldwin failure to sell the 1953 pattern crown was a bit worrisome.