Coin Fair

[Dan1]

Hey guys

Its my first coin fair this weekend at the Cedar Court Hotel in Wakefield. I would like to try and finish off my 1960's coins there.

I am quite pleased with my collection so far, but I wouldnt mind a standout item and spend a bit more money than the few pounds that things are costing me at the minute. I know that this is a big question, but are there any recommendations for something really cool to start as my first key piece?

Cheers

Dan

[TomGoodheart]

1963 or 66 (highest mintages) sovereign? 1960s Maundy set? 1960 polished die (made for sale in New York) crown?

(You can just tell modern coins aren't my area, can't you!?)

Edited March 27, 2014 by TomGoodheart

[Paulus]

Someone (I forget who) was asking about Coin Fairs down south ... I have been sent a flyer that there is one here:

Chatswort Hotel

Worthing

BN11 3DU

Sunday 18th May 2014

Admission £1

[Dan1]

I have never seen a gold sovereign, that will be quite interesting.

What are the dealers like, are they easy to deal with or will they have my shirt?

[Colin G.]

Most things are priced and don't be afraid to haggle!!

[Peter]

Dealers are generally brilliant.

Always talk there is a lot to learn.

Enjoy the fair and do a couple of circuits.

See what is about.I do love coin fairs.

[RLC35]

I have never seen a gold sovereign, that will be quite interesting.

What are the dealers like, are they easy to deal with or will they have my shirt?

If you are new to negotiating, just take a already priced coin (that you are looking at), and ask the Dealer what the "least he will take for it." Almost all Dealers will reduce the price somewhat, and sometimes you will get a big surprise how much it is reduced.

[copper123]

We are very lucky indeed to have this fair in the north - it would have been so easy for everything to just move to london

[Peckris]

There aren't any real 'key pieces' from 1960 - but the polished die 1960 crown is nice enough, and cupro-nickel of 1960 itself isn't too easy to get in proper UNC (one rule you can say for the 1960s: coins pretty much all get easier and cheaper the further you get from 1960 - that's because literally millions were kept aside, mint sealed bags, filched from banks and post offices, from change, you name it. Don't buy gold unless you enjoy buying at the top of the market - 1960s pieces are BV anyway.)

Good luck!

[richtips86]

Someone (I forget who) was asking about Coin Fairs down south ... I have been sent a flyer that there is one here:

Chatswort Hotel

Worthing

BN11 3DU

Sunday 18th May 2014

Admission £1

Thanks Paulus

[Peter]

I think the best fair is at the NEC bike museum.

12 fairs per year and a biggie every 3 months.

We usually stay in Coventry in a decent hotel with a pool.

A meal the night before and a good breakfast plus I'm back by 3pm and home by 6ish.

I wish I was still single

We all love our wives and daughters...don't we

[Garrett]

You can get some really nice gold sovereigns, from Vicky onwards, for not much above melt.

They contain around 0.23 of an ounce of gold.

In Australia they are going for around 400 which is around 200 pounds.

I missed an EF George V in the Noble sale by someone who bid 320 + commission so that's around 380 AUD.

Learn how to authenticate with a set of digital scales and you are set.

cheers Garrett.

[damian1986]

A couple of other suggestions (pre 1960 though) with gold taken out of the equation:

• Any of the crowns 1887 to 1910. Saint George slaying the dragon reverse. I have an unhealthy interest in the designs of Benedetto Pistrucci.
• A florin 1902 to 1910. Very nice reverse, Britannia before everything went to shit. I have an unhealthy interest in Susan Hicks Beach.

[Paulus]

Damian, if you don't care what year you go for, 1887 and 1902 will give you the highest grades for your buck in both crown and florin, And if you want the very best examples, an UNC 1887 Crown will cost you £150-£200 and a 1902 Florin £110-£150. Buy these from a reputable dealer, not an untrusted eBay seller!

[damian1986]

Damian, if you don't care what year you go for, 1887 and 1902 will give you the highest grades for your buck in both crown and florin, And if you want the very best examples, an UNC 1887 Crown will cost you £150-£200 and a 1902 Florin £110-£150. Buy these from a reputable dealer, not an untrusted eBay seller!

Thanks Paulus. This was a suggestion for Dan as he's off to Wakefield this weekend although I was looking at a 1902 florin earlier and may end up buying it - the other nice thing about 1902 is that the dies were brand new this year so the strike is usually better and given how easily this coin wore anyway...