SilverMike

I can only comment on the NGC conservation costs, PCGS also offer a similar service if you grade with them. with NGC its depends on what tier you submit at, Modern (from 1965 with a value less than £1500) then its about £12, Gold (up to £2,500) about £25. If the insured value is above that then it’s 4% of its value. its an 1821 proof half sovereign, the date is on the reverse around the edge between about 5o’clock and 3o’clock its a sovereign so it .917 gold, alloyed with .083 copper / others. It’s the presence of the copper that gives rise to the marks you see in the un-conserved version, “Copper Spot”

We are and we shouldn’t. NCS methods are a trade secret, but I understand there are various legitimate processes to restore a coin that don't damage or degrade its value, but one for the experts especially on valuable coins. i have had proofs that have suffered from hazing where the coin is dull and the fields no longer reflective (but good underneath), also coins that have dust and grime and also water marks (the later was a 1989 set I bought that had been sat in a box in a damp leaking shed and the coins looked terrible pre conservation - photos attached), they restored beautifully, 3 out of 4 of the coins got 70’s. The box naturally was in the bin.

Thank you, yes sure, It went from Cameo to Ultra Cameo on a 65. I had hoped it might tip onto a 66 but that hairline behind the kings head kept it back I think. I think it should always have been a UC. My main reason for conservation in this case was to improve the eye appeal and I was very happy

Just thought i’d share before and after photos of a coin ive recently had conserved. Most impressive and obvious improvements ive ever had. Before: After

I also think we’ve convinced ourselves we ‘need’ this coin in a huge diameter and don't get me wrong, it is impressive, but small is also beautiful and impressive if you think about all the detail in the shield reverse sovereigns etc which are tiny. photo: 5oz vs 10oz gold

In fairness, 40mm is I think the standard dia for a RM 2oz (3Graces as an example), also if you slab you want it under 45mm to keep it in a standard holder (albeit extra thick).

I know a high and desirable grade and exceptional to get on a Gillick sovereign but still, impressive price realised at Heritage yesterday. not mine 😄.. I wouldn't have sold had it been! I did bid but was taken out way lower…

Quite rare, Newfoundland / Maritime Provinces 1880 Gold $2. mintage (reported) of only 2,500. Again, not part of a set collection I'm building, I just liked the coin and the portrait. If anyone is a collector of Canadian coins id appreciate any further info. Minted in London I understand.

Two coins today... a lovely 1824 1/2 sovereign replacing a one I sold and regretted. and a modern coin I have admired since the mint released them earlier this year in the annual set and just thought I would be unable to acquire for a reasonable price, then this one came along, very happy ... has absolutely no place in my collection other than I think it lovely

I agree with the other guys, normally id keep it for something like that. However, I do think the mint are going to have to re-mint a batch. The problem with the arch is just unacceptable, there are loads going back and they’ll not get away with the ‘merry go round’ of sending someone else's return back to you so you might get a newly minted one. It’ll not be quick though and there’s a chance they don't re-mint and refund them I guess. Also a risk, even if you do get a new one it has a similar thing.

And that’s completely fine Paul, I have no problem with anyone one making money however they wish, buy and flip, buy hold flip, great 👍 I also do that. But if thats all you do then I can understand why you struggle to grasp the reasons why people collect sovereigns and likely anything else for the simple reasons they are sovereigns, rather than necessarily an appreciating asset

and neither have I, i equally look for best value and I haven’t overpaid on anything I own, but my purchasing is collection specific rather than random. Aruably on the day of purchase your gold una was not the best deal on the day or the silver Alderney 3G.

Or this.. come on @Paul, tell me you don’t feel a little enthusiasm and excitement... even at your age 😉

Im a sovereign and half sovereign man, mainly proof but I do have some rare and collectable circulation (along with some modern, 3G, una, QB, etc). But regarding sovereigns, its the history and the story that they are steeped in that interests me and that a coin like the one attached to this post has survived 470years, and the knowledge that im going to be part of the story of a specific coin as most of my sovereigns / half sovereigns will be eternally collectable long after I am pushing up daisies (im not sure many of the modern coins will be, who knows). Later milled also the same, coins that are hundreds of years old and are almost as perfect as the day they were struck, how is that even possible... amazing when you overlay that with the storyline of british history. Collecting modern sovereigns is just an extension and continuation of british history and development encased in a small piece of gold for your personal and private consideration when you want to. I’m very much a collector, but bullion sovereigns also present an opportunity for those who are halfway between stacker and collector which you don't get with anything else as diverse really, i don’t do date runs or varieties, but I completely understand why people do, they are able to add weight and watch the progression of this historic coin and british history over hundreds of years. I’m fairly sure ive seen you enthusiastic and excited about early milled proof half and full sovereigns on here before @Paul 😉 what does excite you out of interest Paul if not sovereigns? Diversity is what makes our community interesting. I love looking at the coins other are collecting, perhaps not something I would buy but I can normally appreciate the beauty and or rarity of them. Sovereigns can obviously also be used for hardcore stacking which is different and all about accumulating a stock, I don't think many are really like that on here though, you likely wouldn’t bother with a forum like this if you were I guess. Well probably best not to collect sovereigns then 😄 ... come on Paul, what do you collect?