Pete

None I am afraid but would like to be proved wrong.
I think the nearest will be in the Jewellery Quarter in Birmingham.

In simplest of terms toning on a silver coin is similar to "rust" on iron and steel.
On silver a chemical reaction occurs when the metal is exposed to pollution especially sulphur compounds contained in e.g. smoke.
This starts to create a thin black layer which when extremely thin creates optical interference and rainbow colours.
Some like this look and some don't but at the end of the day it is still "rust" which on iron is called oxidation since the reaction is with oxygen in the air.
I have seen toning on fine silver coins caused by agents in certain types of plastic and also from the black rings often used in coin capsules.
Chemicals outgassing over long periods of time can cause toning so the choice of wrapping or container etc can become important.
Personally I see nice shiny silver that has turned black as very poorly kept in a smoke filled environment during it's lifetime.
Newer coins that are only a few years old with darkened toning, usually appearing first on the edges tend to indicate air pollution either from traffic, industry, fossil fuel heating and cigarettes.

Only Fools and Horses where Trigger says he is using the same broom to sweep the streets after 50 replacement heads and 30 new handles ... or something to that effect. Well done in converting Nectar points etc into something "precious".

Only Fools and Horses where Trigger says he is using the same broom to sweep the streets after 50 replacement heads and 30 new handles ... or something to that effect. Well done in converting Nectar points etc into something "precious".

Thank you for sharing your experience as very informative and useful to everyone thinking about selling on eBay.
I keep postal receipts for at least 3 months because you never know if someone wants to chance their arm.
I also use the eBay postage platform that automatically records tracking etc and uploads to the item.
If I use an SD through the RM I ensure I upload the tracking number the same day.
During the worst of Covid when the Royal Mail self certified tracked deliveries this period was wide open for scammers.
Perhaps 30% maybe more of packages never showed as being delivered on the Royal Mail Tracking website.
Until there if definitive proof of delivery the seller is fully exposed against a claim for non delivery regardless of your postal receipt.
I found this hard to swallow but those are the rules of eBay - proof of postage is not proof of receipt when it comes to claims.
I did have a moment when a buyer of a kilo silver coin, sent SD, claimed it hadn't been delivered and the Royal Mail hadn't recorded a signature due to Covid.
Turns out it had been handed to a neighbour in the garden who hadn't let the buyer know.
In this instant the local friendly postie hadn't followed protocol by leaving a card at the destination address to inform the buyer that the item was with a neighbour.
In such situations the buyer can get extremely aggressive and make all sorts of accusations before having to crawl back into their shell.
As for your Japanese buyer, once you have shipped to the address they stated then any further requests are their problem and I wouldn't get involved since you have completed the contract and can prove so.

Thank you for sharing your experience as very informative and useful to everyone thinking about selling on eBay.
I keep postal receipts for at least 3 months because you never know if someone wants to chance their arm.
I also use the eBay postage platform that automatically records tracking etc and uploads to the item.
If I use an SD through the RM I ensure I upload the tracking number the same day.
During the worst of Covid when the Royal Mail self certified tracked deliveries this period was wide open for scammers.
Perhaps 30% maybe more of packages never showed as being delivered on the Royal Mail Tracking website.
Until there if definitive proof of delivery the seller is fully exposed against a claim for non delivery regardless of your postal receipt.
I found this hard to swallow but those are the rules of eBay - proof of postage is not proof of receipt when it comes to claims.
I did have a moment when a buyer of a kilo silver coin, sent SD, claimed it hadn't been delivered and the Royal Mail hadn't recorded a signature due to Covid.
Turns out it had been handed to a neighbour in the garden who hadn't let the buyer know.
In this instant the local friendly postie hadn't followed protocol by leaving a card at the destination address to inform the buyer that the item was with a neighbour.
In such situations the buyer can get extremely aggressive and make all sorts of accusations before having to crawl back into their shell.
As for your Japanese buyer, once you have shipped to the address they stated then any further requests are their problem and I wouldn't get involved since you have completed the contract and can prove so.

Thank you for sharing your experience as very informative and useful to everyone thinking about selling on eBay.
I keep postal receipts for at least 3 months because you never know if someone wants to chance their arm.
I also use the eBay postage platform that automatically records tracking etc and uploads to the item.
If I use an SD through the RM I ensure I upload the tracking number the same day.
During the worst of Covid when the Royal Mail self certified tracked deliveries this period was wide open for scammers.
Perhaps 30% maybe more of packages never showed as being delivered on the Royal Mail Tracking website.
Until there if definitive proof of delivery the seller is fully exposed against a claim for non delivery regardless of your postal receipt.
I found this hard to swallow but those are the rules of eBay - proof of postage is not proof of receipt when it comes to claims.
I did have a moment when a buyer of a kilo silver coin, sent SD, claimed it hadn't been delivered and the Royal Mail hadn't recorded a signature due to Covid.
Turns out it had been handed to a neighbour in the garden who hadn't let the buyer know.
In this instant the local friendly postie hadn't followed protocol by leaving a card at the destination address to inform the buyer that the item was with a neighbour.
In such situations the buyer can get extremely aggressive and make all sorts of accusations before having to crawl back into their shell.
As for your Japanese buyer, once you have shipped to the address they stated then any further requests are their problem and I wouldn't get involved since you have completed the contract and can prove so.

Erdogan is a complete fool but it clearly illustrates when people who have zero grasp of economic realities what can happen. As per usual it is the people who suffer. You can 100% guarantee Erdogan will be just fine.
 

Earlier in the year Erdogan asked citizens to sell gold to support the Turkish Lire.
Turkey has cut rates sharply over the last three months which (as the Turkish people know all too well) will ramp up inflation which has long been an enemy of the Turkish people.   To be able to cut rates he fired treasury officials who wanted to follow a policy of defending the Lire.
Yesterday, Erdogan commented that Turkey is “fighting an economic war of independence” and crashed the Lire by 15 percent.  This brings the decline of the Lire to around 40 percent this year against most currencies.  
Turkey currently has an inflation rate of 20pct, and that’s only going to go up….  
I can see few better examples of why citizens of any country should hold gold.

Funny how I haven't seen all the Bull Sh!t from the usual sources & dealers today following the crash.
I reckon prices fell because we have just launched a rocket to knock an asteroid out of its track that is heading our way, too close for comfort.
If the world is going to end in a year best sell and enjoy what time is left, otherwise buy - take your pick.
Seems as good a reason as linking to some government announcement / global crisis etc.

Same type and weight however isn't the same date i.e. year of mintage.
Many popular coins have different mintage figures and some, of the same type, could cost a lot more as scarce and more for collectors rather than stackers..
For example you can buy a fairly recent silver Mexican Libertad for say £30, but the 1998 version might cost 5 times this.
Boring silver Maples tend to be amongst the cheapest bullion but find a 1997 for less than £50 these days and I will join the queue to purchase.

Stopped by the LCS today to take advantage of the dip in spot today and buy some gold.  Some 2022 Brits  were delivered while I was there so I picked up one of those.  This is the first Britannia I've bought (gold or silver) with the new security features on them.  I think the last ones I bought had the rays on them.  This design really is stunning.
My dealer knows I like old, large silver coins from Europe, so he pulled out an 1891 Crown he was saving for me as soon as he saw me walking up.

Welcome and looking forward to learning more about your "deals" for members.
When I started my PM hobby over 10 years ago, you were my primary source.
Lots of sovereigns and half sovereigns at great prices ( low percentage over spot ).
I also sold you many gold proofs in person and the speed of bank transfers superb.
However I haven't bought any gold from you for over 3 years, finding other sellers surprisingly a bit more competitive.
I always compare prices before purchase so looking forward optimistically.
Any chance that you could flip platinum coins at fair margins and without full VAT ?
 

Welcome and looking forward to learning more about your "deals" for members.
When I started my PM hobby over 10 years ago, you were my primary source.
Lots of sovereigns and half sovereigns at great prices ( low percentage over spot ).
I also sold you many gold proofs in person and the speed of bank transfers superb.
However I haven't bought any gold from you for over 3 years, finding other sellers surprisingly a bit more competitive.
I always compare prices before purchase so looking forward optimistically.
Any chance that you could flip platinum coins at fair margins and without full VAT ?
 

Welcome and looking forward to learning more about your "deals" for members.
When I started my PM hobby over 10 years ago, you were my primary source.
Lots of sovereigns and half sovereigns at great prices ( low percentage over spot ).
I also sold you many gold proofs in person and the speed of bank transfers superb.
However I haven't bought any gold from you for over 3 years, finding other sellers surprisingly a bit more competitive.
I always compare prices before purchase so looking forward optimistically.
Any chance that you could flip platinum coins at fair margins and without full VAT ?
 

Today I received a couple of "vintage" Perth Mint Koalas from @jultorsk - PERFECT condition - thanks
I also received the latest 2022 Chinese Panda from @Pandao - PERFECT condition - thanks
In my 3rd package today were 2 brand new 2022 Britannias purchased from Atkinsons - thanks for a fast service - BUT NO CREDIT to our Royal Mint - you decide !!!
Left - a scuff mark across the entire obverse nose to ear.
Right - multiple scattered small pits ( not dust ).
Reverses on both were unmarked.
These were purchased for my boxed sets so I was hoping for very good condition.
Makes me seriously think about discontinuing with the Brit sets having collected all the Britannia's so far.
Such a shame and no credit whatsoever to our Royal Mint compared to most other mints issuing bullion.
    

50% chance of a rise and 50% chance of a fall - good odds !!
 

50% chance of a rise and 50% chance of a fall - good odds !!
 

50% chance of a rise and 50% chance of a fall - good odds !!
 

Selling single coins is easy by providing a clear photograph of both faces.
If you see spots or scratches then just simply state, regular bullion with a few marks, spots, fine scratches as shown in the pictures.
If there is a particular noticeable defect like a chip or deeper scratch then you could describe the coin as having e.g. a 3 mm scratch on the Queen's cheek etc.
No-one ever lists every defect because it would scare away all buyers and for sure someone will find under the magnifier a spot that you omitted.
If you don't see any obvious defects then you are generally quite safe in describing the coin as in new condition etc but always refer to regular bullion.
Selling a tube you can always state you are selling a mint tube of bullion and coins may contain common rub marks and milk spots as received from the mint.
Personally I would quickly check each coin to see if any are particularly poor i.e. stand out as such.
This does not entail scanning every millimetre with a magnifier.
Just a cursory look in good light and at different angles will show up anything really noticeable.
If a couple show milk spots say 2mm diameter then maybe show a separate photo of the bad one(s).
On this site I would lay the coins out in a matrix and photograph front and back.
Modern cameras even on phones give a good resolution and when zoomed tend to suffice.
On eBay I wouldn't bother.
Having said that I did once sell a new mint sealed full tube of American Eagles that were rejected because they showed a slightly unusual background sheen.
Absolutely perfect mint fresh uncirculated coins, but to an inexperienced buyer, so on eBay the buyer wins every time usually so I had to refund the buyer.
Fortunately on this site most members are very fair and reasonable and those with experience will work with you.
 

Welcome to the silver addicts club !!
Answer to Q1
Sold prices on eBay are a good barometer for market prices and there is little merit in looking too far back in time.
Ignore any 'Buy It Now' prices with no bids etc as these are "chancers" and generally bear no relationship to the market.
Only look at the completed sales and the price paid has to include shipping costs.
The price is the price and a buyer factors this into the equation so $100 + $20 = $120 which is the same as $120 with free shipping.

If selling to any dealer you will struggle to get spot price meaning scrap value of the metal.
Spot price changes literally every second except at weekends so one day you may suddenly see a big difference in price - both up and down.
Forget what prices dealers sell for as a private seller is not always likely to get the same.
Answer to Q2
Bullion coins are only guaranteed for weight and purity and not cosmetic appearance.
Some Mints issue better quality than others but often there is a higher premium to these coins which tend to be shipped from the Mints in capsules.
Sealed mint tubes mean ABSOLUTELY NOTHING in terms of coin quality.
All this means is they haven't been handled by others but many will show scuffs, scratches and milk spots if that particular mint is renowned for producing c.r.a.p. bullion.
When selling you do not need to worry about offering any discounts as on eBay for example the bidding will address this.
You should however always show clear photographs or if selling a bulk lot perhaps avoid stating condition other than regular bullion meaning subject to small imperfections, spots etc. If a particular coin is in bad shape the picture will show this and leave it to the buyer to make a decision.
Whether you can make a profit depends mainly on the spot price of the metal.
If you buy from a dealer when spot is trending near its highs then you will find it very difficult to sell and make a profit, and often impossible if spot has fallen by say 5% or more.
If however spot jumps up 5 or 10% and you bought at a good price then sure, selling individually can make a nice profit but factor in all your costs and fees.
Many fellow stackers buy and hold then sell some inventory perhaps a few years later when prices have changed.
In these instances prices have moved by 25% or more and any bulk discount you obtained is also profit selling individually.
Keeping records is very important to show true cost of purchase and net sale after all deductions.

I agree that Tallinn is a lovely place to visit with all its "Gulliver Land" looking orange rooftops in the old town.
I am sure you are aware that there is a personal allowance for goods being brought back in to the UK so that may affect your plans.
Over your allowance you will be charged 20% VAT.

My strategy these days is to look for the deals in supermarkets.
If my usual breakfast muesli is normally £3.00 per box and there is an offer to buy at £2.00 I will buy say 10 boxes.
Normal cost of muesli  10 x £3 = £30
Actual cost £20
Saving of £10 on a purchase of £20 so equivalent to 50% instant benefit.
Even better with the NatWest offer in Morrisons ( just ended unfortunately ) giving a further 10% cash back in Reward Points.
Now that's what I call "stacking" !!

My strategy these days is to look for the deals in supermarkets.
If my usual breakfast muesli is normally £3.00 per box and there is an offer to buy at £2.00 I will buy say 10 boxes.
Normal cost of muesli  10 x £3 = £30
Actual cost £20
Saving of £10 on a purchase of £20 so equivalent to 50% instant benefit.
Even better with the NatWest offer in Morrisons ( just ended unfortunately ) giving a further 10% cash back in Reward Points.
Now that's what I call "stacking" !!

Just a bit of fag ash. Nothing to worry about 😉