Starting From Zero

[Nordle11]

It helps the balance of a collection to be in similar grades though. There's nothing worse than a row of BU pieces with a black sheep in the middle. Having said that, sometimes the best known is only Fine or VF at which point you have to either accept it or move on.

If a coin is simply rare in a certain grade, you are better off waiting.

Or in some cases of bronze where they've darkened the coins because of their own shortcomings. These alongside my BU pennies isn't very eye appealing.

[NRP]

It helps the balance of a collection to be in similar grades though. There's nothing worse than a row of BU pieces with a black sheep in the middle. Having said that, sometimes the best known is only Fine or VF at which point you have to either accept it or move on.

If a coin is simply rare in a certain grade, you are better off waiting.

Interestingly I am going through a collection at the moment JH up to 1967 on all the denominations - every date all minty but needless to say the 1903, 1904 and 1905 halfcrowns stand out a mile - they are only fine and do really look out of place, the same with 05 shilling and florin!! Shame!!!

[damian1986]

Or in some cases of bronze where they've darkened the coins because of their own shortcomings. These alongside my BU pennies isn't very eye appealing.

The darkened post-war pennies are lush and leave my darkened farthings alone

[Peckris]

Or in some cases of bronze where they've darkened the coins because of their own shortcomings. These alongside my BU pennies isn't very eye appealing.

The darkened post-war pennies are lush and leave my darkened farthings alone

Absolutely agree. A truly UNC Edward VII darkened farthing is a thing of great beauty with an almost purplish sheen and detail that's far easier to make out than on a BU type.

[Nordle11]

Or in some cases of bronze where they've darkened the coins because of their own shortcomings. These alongside my BU pennies isn't very eye appealing.

The darkened post-war pennies are lush and leave my darkened farthings alone

Absolutely agree. A truly UNC Edward VII darkened farthing is a thing of great beauty with an almost purplish sheen and detail that's far easier to make out than on a BU type.

I should point out that I don't in any way dislike the darkened bronzes, and I definitely agree they're great for detail, I was just saying that they stand out like a sore thumb next door to the other lustrous ones

[Dan1]

After spending a few days trawling the internet I now have a full set of 1967 coins on their way to me. All from dealers, none off ebay. I will put on an update once they all come in.

Exciting times, this could be the start of something great.

[declanwmagee]

Good one Dan!

[TomGoodheart]

Cool! Have you decided how you are going to store and show off your coins Dan?

[Paulus]

Good for you Dan! The journey begins ...

[Garrett]

Exciting times indeed !

[Dan1]

I am feeling pleased, my 1967 coins have all now arrived.

My plan is now to find all the 1960's items and then whenever that task is complete I will start with the 50's.

Thanks guys youve got me started and given me a focus. I will keep you posted on my progress.

[Peckris]

I am feeling pleased, my 1967 coins have all now arrived.

My plan is now to find all the 1960's items and then whenever that task is complete I will start with the 50's.

Thanks guys youve got me started and given me a focus. I will keep you posted on my progress.

Do bear in mind that some 1950s cupro-nickel (especially florins, a few halfcrown dates, and an even lower number of shillings) are very tricky in UNC and quite pricey. If you get there and find this is so, you might want to put a 'finger in the place' for now and start on George VI - many of his coins are easier to find in UNC.

[scott]

the 1950's pennies. ouch

[sound]

I am feeling pleased, my 1967 coins have all now arrived.

My plan is now to find all the 1960's items and then whenever that task is complete I will start with the 50's.

Thanks guys youve got me started and given me a focus. I will keep you posted on my progress.

Do bear in mind that some 1950s cupro-nickel (especially florins, a few halfcrown dates, and an even lower number of shillings) are very tricky in UNC and quite pricey. If you get there and find this is so, you might want to put a 'finger in the place' for now and start on George VI - many of his coins are easier to find in UNC.

Peck, As he so often is, wisdom of years I suspect is giving good advice.

However do persevere with the 1950's silver in BU. Not to expensive yet.

I have chosen the rarest dates in (not bothered with a date run) 2/6 & 2/- and am pleased I have them. They won't get any cheaper than they are now IMO.

As with GV silver get it in BU if you can, you won't regret it.

Mark

[Peckris]

I am feeling pleased, my 1967 coins have all now arrived.

My plan is now to find all the 1960's items and then whenever that task is complete I will start with the 50's.

Thanks guys youve got me started and given me a focus. I will keep you posted on my progress.

Do bear in mind that some 1950s cupro-nickel (especially florins, a few halfcrown dates, and an even lower number of shillings) are very tricky in UNC and quite pricey. If you get there and find this is so, you might want to put a 'finger in the place' for now and start on George VI - many of his coins are easier to find in UNC.

Peck, As he so often is, wisdom of years I suspect is giving good advice.

However do persevere with the 1950's silver in BU. Not to expensive yet.

I have chosen the rarest dates in (not bothered with a date run) 2/6 & 2/- and am pleased I have them. They won't get any cheaper than they are now IMO.

As with GV silver get it in BU if you can, you won't regret it.

Mark

I picked up UNC 1954 and 1959 halfcrowns for a fiver each from Format Coins in the 1990s (sold as AUNC but these days they would pass as UNC, no sweat). I left it too late to get any of the difficult florins in UNC - and they're REALLY difficult! - so settled for a 1956 instead.

[Peter]

I rarely look at my modern coins so they will all go.

If you buy a coin and sift it away what is the point?

[sound]

"I picked up UNC 1954 and 1959 halfcrowns for a fiver each from Format Coins in the 1990s (sold as AUNC but these days they would pass as UNC, no sweat)."

Peck can you get any more for a fiver. I paid considerably more.

Mark

[Paulus]

I rarely look at my modern coins so they will all go.

If you buy a coin and sift it away what is the point?

Agreed

[Peckris]

"I picked up UNC 1954 and 1959 halfcrowns for a fiver each from Format Coins in the 1990s (sold as AUNC but these days they would pass as UNC, no sweat)."

Peck can you get any more for a fiver. I paid considerably more.

Mark

Unfortunately not! The great problem with early Liz II halfcrowns - especially 1954 - is that even UNC coins don't look it, the design is so shallow. To get one that actually LOOKS BU would cost a fortune. Mine doesn't show any wear, but you wouldn't say the lustre was so strong you have to wear sunglasses.

[sound]

"I picked up UNC 1954 and 1959 halfcrowns for a fiver each from Format Coins in the 1990s (sold as AUNC but these days they would pass as UNC, no sweat)."

Peck can you get any more for a fiver. I paid considerably more.

Mark

Unfortunately not! The great problem with early Liz II halfcrowns - especially 1954 - is that even UNC coins don't look it, the design is so shallow. To get one that actually LOOKS BU would cost a fortune. Mine doesn't show any wear, but you wouldn't say the lustre was so strong you have to wear sunglasses.

But isn't that because they are Cupro-nickel and not that nice shiny stuff that the Royal Mint used to use? So the "new BU" lacks lustre.

Mark

[Peckris]

"I picked up UNC 1954 and 1959 halfcrowns for a fiver each from Format Coins in the 1990s (sold as AUNC but these days they would pass as UNC, no sweat)."

Peck can you get any more for a fiver. I paid considerably more.

Mark

Unfortunately not! The great problem with early Liz II halfcrowns - especially 1954 - is that even UNC coins don't look it, the design is so shallow. To get one that actually LOOKS BU would cost a fortune. Mine doesn't show any wear, but you wouldn't say the lustre was so strong you have to wear sunglasses.

But isn't that because they are Cupro-nickel and not that nice shiny stuff that the Royal Mint used to use? So the "new BU" lacks lustre.

Mark

Not really. If you look at some 1960s CuNi and more especially what started to appear in the 1970s, there's a highly mirrored finish. Even sixpences dated from 1949 - 1952 can show a high degree of lustre. I don't know what it is with Liz II 1950s large "silver", but it does get better through the decade.