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 Replies: 78 / Views: 36,338 |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
870 Posts |
Hi =)
Last year I came into a collection of British Pennies ranging in year and grade - mostly from the 19th century and all in average circulated grades, so nothing super special.
I have NO idea what to look for, though. I'm wondering if there are any key dates that I should look out for in particular?
Any pointers to a list on-line or in a book would certainly be helpful. Thanks! =)
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Bedrock of the Community
Australia
21788 Posts |
There are three scarce dates in the Victorian bronze penny series from 1860 onwards.
The scarce dates are: 1869, '71, & 75H.
You don't mention that some pennies are larger, so I presume you don't have any pure copper pennies of George 111, George 1V, William 1V, and Victoria, before 1860.
The British penny series is particularly complex, and few people fully understand it; I certainly do not. There are many scarce and rare varieties, particularly for the first date for bronze pennies of 1860. My book says that there are 17 different varieties for the 1860 date alone. Identification of these varieties in lower grades is a problem. There are a few rare varieties and mint marks of pennies of Edward V11, and George V, but no stand alone scarce dates.
I have indicated scarce or rare dates ONLY for the Victorian bronze penny series 1860 to 1901, mainly to help simplify your search.
There must be at least a few British guys in the CCF who can elaborate further.
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Pillar of the Community
 United States
870 Posts |
HOLY mackeral! Thanks for the info, Sel!
What's your book, by the way?
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Bedrock of the Community
Australia
21788 Posts |
The book I use is:
Coincraft's Standard Catalogue of English & UK Coins 1066 to Date
My edition 1998, 718 pages, published in London. It is a bit like other 'telephone book' Krause publications.
They do collector series publications on a wide range of subjects. I have quite a few books of theirs on automotive subjects.
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Formerly nancyc
Australia
5385 Posts |
In addition to the ones listed by sel_69l prior to 1901, 1882 with no mint mark (H) under the date is also extremely rare. In the 20th century 1933 is extremely rare, with 1950 & 1951 being a little difficult, but not impossible to find. This UK Coin site is excellent: http://www.coins-of-the-uk.co.uk/coins.html#sizelife is a mystery to be lived not a problem to be solved
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Pillar of the Community
United States
870 Posts |
Ah, thank you sel and nancy! I'll see if I can find a copy of that book, Sel!
Much obliged!
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Moderator
 Australia
16857 Posts |
The Coincraft catalogue hasn't been published since sel's edition in 1998. The British coin book published annually is the one put out by Spink, "Coins of England and the United Kingdom".
Don't say "infinitely" when you mean "very"; otherwise, you'll have no word left when you want to talk about something really infinite. - C. S. Lewis
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Bedrock of the Community
Australia
21788 Posts |
Sap: I was wondering why I hadn't seen a later edition of the Coincraft Catalogue. It is my preferred English coin reference. I have been storing it flat to help the binding. I have now been reminded by you to be even more careful with it from now on.
I have become particularly interested in British coinage from 1825, (when the first bulk shipments of British coin were first landed in Australia), until the introduction of Australian coinage in 1910.
This part of Australian coinage history is often overlooked by Australian collectors.
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Pillar of the Community
United Kingdom
1324 Posts |
There is talk, by Richard Lobel, author of the Coincraft standard catalogue to put the entire work on line - Much like Tony Clayton's site. It's about 18 months since I heard anything more about this project though.
Two more dates to add to nancyc's notes - 1952 and 1954, both with 1 example known.
1950/51 are a little interesting, as the entire issue was sent to Bermuda.
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Formerly nancyc
Australia
5385 Posts |
Quote:
1950/51 are a little interesting, as the entire issue was sent to Bermuda. Ahah! So that's why they're hard to find! I wasn't aware of that. Thanks!  life is a mystery to be lived not a problem to be solved
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Bedrock of the Community
Australia
21788 Posts |
The entire issue of 1827 copper pennies of George 1V was sent to Tasmania, that is why they are so highly valued in England. Still....... they are reasonbly scarce in Australia, too. Also usually found in poor condition, due to much circulation.
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Pillar of the Community
Turkey
870 Posts |
As much as I am concerned, there are only six (6) 1933 Pennies struck.. one is in the British Museum. Two are on private hands. So it's next to impossible, literally, to get one.
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Formerly nancyc
Australia
5385 Posts |
Quote:
The entire issue of 1827 copper pennies of George 1V was sent to Tasmania, that is why they are so highly valued in England. Still....... they are reasonbly scarce in Australia, too. Also usually found in poor condition, due to much circulation. Quote:
As much as I am concerned, there are only six (6) 1933 Pennies struck.. one is in the British Museum. Two are on private hands. So it's next to impossible, literally, to get one. Excellent info! Thanks!  life is a mystery to be lived not a problem to be solved
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1256 Posts |
Harder dates from the 20th century
1902 Low Tide
1912 H
1918 KN
1918 H
1919 KN
1919 H
1926
1932
1950
1951
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Formerly nancyc
Australia
5385 Posts |
Quote:
Harder dates from the 20th century
1902 Low Tide
1912 H
1918 KN
1918 H
1919 KN
1919 H
1926
1932
1950
1951 I have all bar the last two on this list, all most likely came from ebay, and they didn't cost very much. I think the most I've ever paid for a GB Penny was just under $10.00, but can't remember which year. I have a few favourite sellers from GB and have bought a lot of coins from them.  life is a mystery to be lived not a problem to be solved
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1256 Posts |
I'm missing the Low Tide and the 50 and 51. Delayed due to wanting Lincolns. I will finish this set one day. I did finish the brass 3 pence set but had to buy the 4 keys.
I was lucky to have lived in England 1967-1972 and the family collected. I have a nice stash :)
Edited by timsumrall
05/26/2011 09:41 am
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Replies: 78 / Views: 36,338 |
Posted 05/14/2011 12:41 am
