Glasgow's flea market has pre-decimal coins by the bin at 20p/50p each.
I was fascinated and assembled a basic set for the princely sum of one pound. 1936 penny, 1939 farthing, 1939 halfpenny, 1959 sixpence & 1953 shilling. I only found out on the Subway later that I did not in fact get the threepence. Might go back for it (and halfcrowns) later this month…
"Life is all about being too wrapped up in the now to care about the future. When the future becomes the past, you start to regret what you've done."
A non-numismatic addition this time, three lovely trilobites that are older than the oldest of the coelacanths such as the one that opens this thread.
#1
Asaphellus fezouatensis
Early Ordocivian (Floian) - ~475 million years ago
Fezouata Formation - Morocco
#2
Paralejurus spatuliformis
Early Devonian (Pragian) - ~410 million years ago
Lhandar Formation - Morocco
#3
Colpocoryphe grandis
Late Ordovician (Katian) - ~450 million years ago
Ktaoua Formation - Morocco
Alright, just checked the wikipedia and I may have exaggerated a bit at the start, the earliest coelacants known are from the Pragian in Australia and China, so my Paralejurus is not older but contemporary to them. Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coelacanth#Evolution_and_taxonomy.
On trilobite #3, yes it's identical to my first trilobite, the Flexicalymene I've posted here a year ago. But turns out that most of these are actually Colpocoryphe, the only major difference between them is at the tail.
Ah, and I didn't order this one. It arrived as bonus.
And trilobite #1 is now my oldest fossil in my small collection.
I don't have a big goal with them, just getting something from each major time period. Aside that, just what is both affordable and interesting.
Glasgow's flea market has pre-decimal coins by the bin at 20p/50p each.
I was fascinated and assembled a basic set for the princely sum of one pound. 1936 penny, 1939 farthing, 1939 halfpenny, 1959 sixpence & 1953 shilling. I only found out on the Subway later that I did not in fact get the threepence. Might go back for it (and halfcrowns) later this month…
Went back at my earliest convenience for a 1966 halfcrown, 1967 florin and 1963 threepence. And a 1955 Scottish shilling as a reminder of my time here. Though that could just as easily be done with any regular 5p. Also got a 1942 farthing & am giving my friend my 1939 one for no reason other than her love of birds.
"Life is all about being too wrapped up in the now to care about the future. When the future becomes the past, you start to regret what you've done."
Some dragons and lunars. I think that the 2025 dragon is the first modern non-lunar dragon from the PRC:
Some Emus and a Kiwi:
Gods and legends from Tuvalu and St Helena:
Various wildlife:
The Samoan Golden Eagle has a lovely deep relief:
Some proofs from the Isle of Man, and a random Austrian:
Some Chinese commemorative proofs:
A commemorative Kangeroo proof and a St Helena limited edition China Trade Dollar :
All said and done after shipping and taxes, these came in MUCH more competitively priced when compared to EU retailers, and the range of coins was by order of magnitude larger. Fedex delivered in less than a week from when I placed the order.
It's been a busy coin day, and these arrived in the post as well from a swap. I like my money clean, so have given them a gentle wash. I bought them as VF with considerable dirt buildup, and I think they display well in my collection after the clean.
Those are all quite the bullion pieces. I quite like the PRC commem especially. But quite out of my price range I choose to imagine :)
how do you clean your coins? Just a dip in acetone ?
The proof commemeratives are roughly double the price of a panda (at the current bullion price), so not too bad. If bullion was cheap, the premium would be more pronounced. I am busy putting the doubles up for swap if you want to keep your eye out on my account over the next few days.
My cleaning process is mostly soapy warm water with a soft makeup brush, a 15min dip in baking soda on tin foil ( shiny side up) doused with boiling water. I roll the coin with blutak ( which is supposed to be bad), but that works a LOT of magic after the initial clean. It pulls a lot of sh1t from little grooves and around lettering. Warm soapy water again to clear blutak residue, and a final rinse in bottled water ( probably should use distilled, but that's expensive) to get rid of soap, chlorine etc. I don't use anything abrasive or harshly chemical, I like to leave the underlying patination but get rid of the dirty look. For more special coins, I will start them in a soak of olive oil for a week to loosen things up.
CATALOGUE. On the back the central illustration of the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi wants to show clearly who really holds the power. I doubt this would be acceptable for a banknote in 2025.
A full set of base metal Pakistani commemoratives from first issue years to 2025. A British based Pakistani obtained them all for me whilst back there on a visit for 2 months. Can't thank the guy enough for doing this. 36 more editions to my British commonwealth collection. (Those who know British commonwealth history know Pakistan left the commonwealth at one point due to political reasons but they eventually rejoined).
Gibraltar eventually issued its Xmas Coins. Always enjoy getting them, they’re the last throes of my British colonial collection under my old username Mark240590
just a short walk to the post office to collect since after being the Gibraltar Referee sometime ago, I now live here 😁
Former British colonial maestro collector. Also former ref of Gibraltar & many other former colonies.
A full set of base metal Pakistani commemoratives from first issue years to 2025. A British based Pakistani obtained them all for me whilst back there on a visit for 2 months. Can't thank the guy enough for doing this. 36 more editions to my British commonwealth collection. (Those who know British commonwealth history know Pakistan left the commonwealth at one point due to political reasons but they eventually rejoined).
Very nice, im hoping to complete my Pakistani commem run with the help of a Numista member here too
A full set of base metal Pakistani commemoratives from first issue years to 2025. A British based Pakistani obtained them all for me whilst back there on a visit for 2 months. Can't thank the guy enough for doing this. 36 more editions to my British commonwealth collection. (Those who know British commonwealth history know Pakistan left the commonwealth at one point due to political reasons but they eventually rejoined).
Very nice, im hoping to complete my Pakistani commem run with the help of a Numista member here too
Been an elusive country for me to find,even some regular coins too. A few commemoratives are on UK Ebay but at ridiculous over marked prices. Had much better look with Indian coins and commemoratives over here. Even found a 1950-1954 India rupee in a joblot last year. The hardest one for me to find in the series throughout the years.
Very happy with these additions, in particular the early Korean silver, Puerto Rico 20c, and the Luther 5 mark. Knowing how even common silver is getting expensive and out of reach I'm happy with these picks
Kenny
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Very happy with these additions, in particular the early Korean silver, Puerto Rico 20c, and the Luther 5 mark. Knowing how even common silver is getting expensive and out of reach I'm happy with these picks
Nice looking thrupenny bit there, @KennyG, let me know if you want to trade.
On my end, I've got 2 of the new Charles III 5p coins. Although dated 2023, they didn't go into circulation until October this year.
And I've been getting a few more books to read…
The “Money & Banking in Ireland” is quite a bit smaller than I had expected. However, the “As good as gold” is substantially more than I'd expected. Already started that one (hence why you can see the bookmark out the bottom), and I'm quite impressed so far.
The Midlands Bank book I honestly only bought to get free shipping with another book. 😛
“Promises to Pay” apparently has a detailed section upon forgeries, particularly Operation Bernhard - which some of you may remember me showing a £10 & £20 of each a few months ago - and I'm keen to read up on that.
The bottom right book is “The Arms granted to the Union Bank of Scotland”, produced in 1947 & features a beautiful reproduction of the grant itself attached to the inside rear cover.
The bank would be absorbed by the Bank of Scotland only 8 short years later in 1955.
Psst, that's William IV (or IIII on that coin), not George. 😛
But that's a really interesting piece. I always forget the British Empire had a tiny foothold in South America. In my head, we never got past the Caribbean/small parts of Central America.
Psst, that's William IV (or IIII on that coin), not George. 😛
But that's a really interesting piece. I always forget the British Empire had a tiny foothold in South America. In my head, we never got past the Caribbean/small parts of Central America.
Really cool to see that 😄
We do have some islands off the coast of mainland South America. Let's not provoke the good Argentine collectors here though. Some who I have sent coins too from those islands actually 🇫🇰. 🤣 .
Psst, that's William IV (or IIII on that coin), not George. 😛
But that's a really interesting piece. I always forget the British Empire had a tiny foothold in South America. In my head, we never got past the Caribbean/small parts of Central America.
Really cool to see that 😄
oops, corrected, thanks for that!
Dickens Thackeray sent some of his characters out to Demerara, where they would get the Yellow Jack and die penniless in rags.
edit:oops again.
Jamais l'or n'a perdu la plus petite occasion de se montrer stupide. -Balzac
My collection has been fairly stagnant recently. That being said I did add 3 fun things.
1957 Silver Quarter (In fairly rough shape)
1943-S silver war nickel.
15 small transit tokens
The transit tokens were something I never thought I would add to my collection. Though a very nice old man gave them to me, each with a story of where and how he got it. (You can read a little about that here). Never would I have ever thought that a few coins with zero face value would become part of a new (and my favorite) collection.
My collection has been fairly stagnant recently. That being said I did add 3 fun things.
1957 Silver Quarter (In fairly rough shape)
1943-S silver war nickel.
15 small transit tokens
The transit tokens were something I never thought I would add to my collection. Though a very nice old man gave them to me, each with a story of where and how he got it. (You can read a little about that here). Never would I have ever thought that a few coins with zero face value would become part of a new (and my favorite) collection.
Those kinds of pieces are the best when there is/ personal stories connected to them. That’s when they are unique and only you can have them!
In November I continued to expand the collection of Japanese proof coins. Since I collect standard circulation coins (in proof finish if was issued) by type, I had to get two sets from Heisei era, because they changed the composition of 500 yen in 2000. I got a 1997 standard proof set and a 2002 technomedal proof set. Now the only type of proof set left is a 2021 (new 500 yen) - now.
1.
2.
3. Namibia - new, 2025 coin series. Really like the unusual proportions of 5 dollar coin.
4. Zaire entire coin series in UNC. Unfortunately, 5 zaire coin in this lot has quite many bag marks. I will be looking for a replacement
James VI, first coinage 30 shilling ryal/“sword dollar”, 1571, with a revaluation countermark from 30/- to 36/9. Well worn, but I could stomach its purchase
Henry VIII, second coinage groat of Archb. Thomas Wolsey, York, m.m voided cross. Minting of these coins was amongst the articles of the indictment against Wolsey (he was authorised to issue halfgroats and lower denominations only).
Great group of coins everyone. Bartweegie, love those 2, that portrait of Henry 8, he just looks so nasty!
I have to play catch up - some of November's purchases.
1707 English halfcrown, issued just before the Act of Union and one of the very last “English” coins, after this they became British coins.
Cleaned goodFine.
Very nice British “Lima” Halfcrown - this is goodVF, cleaned in past, looks better in flesh and much nicer than my 1746 coin.
My 1902 UK Proof set (Short version with sov and half sov, the long version has 2 and 5 pound gold).
This is one of my favourite items I have wanted for a long time. My dealer had to negotiate its purchase off the seller who had held it for decades, I paid for it from proceeds of selling off some of my gold.
Halfcrown is my favourite - look at this? One of the few to escape toning and a “matte proof” means all the detail with none of the bling.
And florin a bit of tone here, but the detail is so sharp and shiny, its not often to see Edward with so much detail
The gold sovereign is a little beautiful coin too, very sharp detail.
Finally the crown, which has had more tone, but now I keep the coins in flips outside the case, so further toning is unlikely.
I love coins. Especially silver, gold and anything really old.
Member of the Royal Numismatic Society of New Zealand and the Auckland Numismatic Society
From the oddbin at my local antique shop. This should be the end if it for my month!
Some Franco to nurse my European dictatorship section to life. My first Brazilian (ouch) to fill a large hole in my map, some French, a Portuguese with a pretty ship and a mint looking US dime. The Chinese is a nice little replica.
From the oddbin at my local antique shop. This should be the end if it for my month!
Some Franco to nurse my European dictatorship section to life. My first Brazilian (ouch) to fill a large hole in my map, some French, a Portuguese with a pretty ship and a mint looking US dime. The Chinese is a nice little replica.
From the oddbin at my local antique shop. This should be the end if it for my month!
Some Franco to nurse my European dictatorship section to life. My first Brazilian (ouch) to fill a large hole in my map, some French, a Portuguese with a pretty ship and a mint looking US dime. The Chinese is a nice little replica.
That is a fun group.
Fascist dictators on coins is an interesting special section. Hadn't thought of it that way. What others?
The French bronze roosters of the 1950s are my favorite of all coins. Not for any numismatic reason, but when I was a little lad, my grandfather had a drawer in an end table in his living room, and there were all manner of treasure in there, including these coins from his travels.
Jamais l'or n'a perdu la plus petite occasion de se montrer stupide. -Balzac
Yes, it is a pretty rooster. A pity the condition isn't better.
A dictator indeed, but I am not sure if he had a fascist ideology like Mussolini and Hitler. More ultra nationalism from my brief research. I have a 1936 German reichsmark as well with a swastika and Hindenburg (the airship guy), but he predates the nazis, so it is more of a loosely developing theme around dictatorship as understood in Europe. I may start looking for some Tito.
This month I started adding a few different banknotes to my collection. I don't usually collect paper money but I figured I'd give it a try and see if it brings the same enjoyment as coins do.
“Dictatorship” is not really a firm definition. Many ex-leaders were later proclaimed as dictators, mainly to justify misdeeds of regimes that came after them. Which were (or soon will be) defined as dictatorship as well 🤣
I lived 32 years under a “dictator” - Tito - and believe me, never have I felt better or safer in any later democracy. And I've lived - and outlived - quite a few of them.
Too true Dejan. My birth country's politics is far from uncomplicated as well. I am trying to avoid politics and more have fun with the history of coins that were really there, and have some kind of symbology on them. There have been many forms of "dictatorships" in Europe, for better and worse, and I am normally very careful with labels. For what it is worth, I consider monarchies as dictatorships as well, but that will make the category too broad.
This is one of my favourite coins. It elevates the everyday person to the position of royalty, and reflects the harsh history of Haiti along with their aspiration. (1981 silver proof)
1) A full series of latest Brazilian coins in UNC. Honestly, I got it only for the 1 cent coin, because it hasn't been issued in any mint set. The rest will stay in my collection, until I find a set.
Wowsers, some absolute stunning pieces here. Got a little catching up to do.
Camerinvs - love your paper mix, especially the Canadian Tire. Bloke looks so happy to be on that note! 😄
Bruno - True, we do have our little rock collection there too. In my head, I just lump them in with the other Atlantic islands (South Georgia, Ascension etc). Funny how the mind works (or in my case, doesn't 🙃).
Peter - Nice medals, particularly the Stephenson one which is of very local interest to me! Always nice to see them.
Turi - What a lovely mix, across so many eras too. Congratulations on the 1,000th issuer! That's incredible 😲
I particularly like the the Victoria State piece. The obverse is very Britannia-esque, but retains a unique flavour.
Max - Sometimes the story is better than the piece. Sounds like what happened to you there. Really neat to hear 🙂
Ma9n - Another lovely collection. As you pointed out, that Namibia 5 is a stunner. Easily my favourite out of your additions. 😄
Though all the Namibia ones are interesting in their own way.
Interesting that the Japanese sets also include an English translation.
Mr Midnight - Love that Nicaraguan coin with the smiling sunshine. Rather weird but I like it.
Paraguayan looks cool too.
Citkane - very shiny! Think I've got a few of the Irish punt coins from when they mixed in with Sterling over the years. Always cool to find them.
Bart - just straight up wow! That's an amazing pair and thank you for the bit of history on Wolsey. Never knew that.
Genuinely can't say which I like more!
Moneytane - As always, gorgeous. Pleased you've finally got yourself that 1902 set. Think you have mentioned in the past it was a prized set for you, so amazing you have it!
Looks pretty good for the age too.
Max - hope you're able to share some pics of your notes some time. I found notes to be a natural expansion after nearing completion of my core coin collection.
So much so, I actually find it more interesting than coins. I think it's the larger “canvas” allows more artistic creations, but you can also follow security developments over time.
But also here in the UK, we only have one coin issuer but 6 current banknote issuers (7 until very recently when a Northern Ireland issuer voluntarily gave up printing rights). And a massive backlog of provincial issuing banks (over 700 I believe).
Citkane - Love that Haiti coin. Really sharp (as you'd expect on a proof).
Ma9n - Those Malay coins are beautiful. Really nice pieces.
Bruno - haven't seen one of those Gibraltar 20ps in a while. Nice to know they still sneak around. 🙂
Think that's the lot. I have a couple of additions myself, but will have to wait until I'm home. So probably see you all in the December thread. 🙂
Max - Sometimes the story is better than the piece. Sounds like what happened to you there. Really neat to hear 🙂
I never cared too much about tokens until the guy started telling me stories. They will forever live in my collection, and most importantly in my memory.
Bart - just straight up wow! That's an amazing pair and thank you for the bit of history on Wolsey. Never knew that.
Genuinely can't say which I like more!
Thanks, collecting coinage can create a mini “snowball effect” - you can find out about interesting stories behind individual types/denominations of coins, unfortunately while our mintage has become firmly centralised and monopolised by the state these stories become less common.
