Booky586

The trade board? What's that?

Yes, I hadn't considered the grade in my rough count. The ones I've seen aren't the highest of grades.

I'll share my recent experience chasing an R5 rated sovereign, the 1888 1st legend jubilee head from the London mint (DISH L8). It's rated as R5 in Marsh and Steve Hill thinks it should be upgraded to R6 (3 or 4 known to exist). Here's what he writes: 'This is an extremely rare coin, there have been no examples present in any of the major auctions, including the "Bentley Collection" sold by Baldwin. It is far rarer than the current valuation suggests in the "Spink Standard Catalogue" and since the DISH publication was released indicating the rarity as R5, it is now thought that it would be more accurate to call this variety Rarity 6.' https://www.sovr.co.uk/products/victoria-1888-sovereign-london-first-legend-extremely-rare-variety-ei16305 John Blyth had one for sale recently and says he has only ever seen two others for sale. https://jonblyth.com/coins/coin-details.aspx?id=2450 And another Sovereign rarities, sold for £1500: https://www.vcoins.com/en/stores/sovereign_rarities/263/product/victoria_gold_sovereign_1888_l8_r6/968584/Default.aspx The PCGS population report shows 3 coins in the database: https://www.pcgs.com/valueview/victoria-1838-1901/1888-sov-s-3866-1st-obverse/4015?sn=207059&h=pop However, I have seen three of these coins (not slabbed) pass through UK auctions only this year: For £1200, at London coins: https://www.londoncoins.co.uk/?page=Pastresults&auc=176&searchlot=1989&searchtype=2 For £750, at the Coin Cabinet: https://auctions.thecoincabinet.com/lots/view/4-5NX9XR/1888-gold-sovereign-first-legend-very-fine-agw02355-oz And £855, on eBay: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/125611773560 So with the 3 for sale/sold by the dealers, 3 in the PCGS population and 3 sold at auction this year there are potentially 9 out there. And I guess there will be more to surface that haven't yet been recognised, so I'd guess this coin is heading towards R4 rather than R6. I've not seen any in really good condition, most are about fine to very fine grade, and prices range from £750 to £1500. Best of luck with the hunt!

It's listed in the 2017 edition 👍

A flipping collector, that's me 😀

Exfoliating? 😀

Yes, the scratches are raised above the normal surface. It's as though the scratches were made in the die.

Thanks @LawrenceChard. Unfortunately I don't have an XRF tester so it will have to go on the "wants list" for now. Optimistically assuming it is genuine, what else do you think could have caused the pimples?

There's plenty of topics listed on the forum with issues about dings, scratches and marks on proof and bullion coins coming out of the mint. I'm sure they'll be a few more with the latest sovereign issue today. Here's an old one from the Belgian Mint, Leopold II, 20 Francs, 1870. First impressions are it's scratched on the obverse around the ear, sideburns and cheek. On closer inspection though it looks like the scratches could be on the die rather than the coin. What do you think? Has someone spilt trappiest ale on the die and quickly scrubbed it up? 😁

Hey dicker, I forgot to say it's a lovely coin and very good photos too! 👍

You're not seeing things, I can see at least one die clash on the reverse. There are 2 die clashes here showing the outline of Victoria's neck line, one slightly offset from the other. Yes, I can see that and again I agree. You didn't mention the beading on the left of the reverse, just above the inscription of BRITANNIARUM. It looks like there is a double strike of beads. Could be a shadow but it could also be the result of a die clash. If the inside set of beads are flat then I'd put money on another die clash mark.

Very nice buys, that medal looks fantastic!

Do "Retro" sovereigns qualify? This one is proof like too: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/314202743263

Clique wasn't a well chosen word by myself and I hope I've not offended you or anyone else, that wasn't the intention.

Joking aside, I fully agree. I'm completely turned off a sale as soon as the regular promotions start from the clique.

Stunning bump

I'd take a bullion airways flight to the USA and buy there, don't forget too fasten your seatbelt though 😀 I'd take a bullion airways flight to the USA and buy there, don't forget too fasten your seatbelt though 😀 I'd take a bullion airways flight to the USA and buy there, don't forget too fasten your seatbelt though 😀 I'd take a bullion airways flight to the USA and buy there, don't forget too fasten your seatbelt though 😀

Could be a mule and might be very collectable?

Go on, be a devil and send it off! You know your want to! 😀

A couple of die clashes on the reverse. The one on the left is the underside of Victoria's chin and the one on the right is the underside of her hair bunch. I can't see any corresponding clash marks on the obverse though. Is it be because there's more field surface on the obverse? Yes, something happening here. The number 2 in the die number looks like they've used a larger punch than the 1 and 0.

That's a cracker, I really like that one! Rotated F over E?

Buying something listed as despatched within 1 day by 1st class post. Sent 14 days later by 2nd class. Selling something and recieving a return request "not as described" when the description was totally accurate.

Not too sure about the number "1" but has the reverse a die clash or two? Either side of the crown there's the impression of Victoria's neck. It might even be the cause of the die crack!

That's really usefully info. I'll go and have a look and see if pcgs has a comparable variety too, thanks.

It would be useful to compare the J.E.B. with an original proof version, you never know, it could make a match! 😀