| Author |
 Replies: 7 / Views: 1,532 |
|
|
New Member
United Kingdom
2 Posts |
Hi all
Im just starting to coin collect, I have what I believe to be sovereigns, but could someone tell me how to know for sure.
Also has anyone got any tips for the future, things to look out for or perhaps coins that are easily forged so beware.....
Any information will be greatly received.
Thank you
|
|
|
|
Pillar of the Community
United States
3098 Posts |
 ! Well, the best way to tell is to hold them. I have a 1/2 sov and even though it's really small, it's extremely heavy. But, pics would be nice, too. |
|
Bedrock of the Community
United States
10284 Posts |
I know nothing about sovereigns, but would like to say WELCOME!
You will indeed, find the answers to most every question here if you check back and read and have a little patience.
Glad you are here, I might just get a bit of education from you.
|
|
Pillar of the Community
United States
1699 Posts |
I think the best thing to do is bring it to a local coin dealer or jeweler who could tell you if it is real gold. Don't tell them that you don't know if it is real or not, but just tell them that your are looking to sell(only do this if you don't know this person and don't have a good dealer-costumer relationship) and if they offer you something good for your gold peices, then they are probably real. But they will usually pay far cheaper than it is actually worth. Hope this Helps!
|
|
Pillar of the Community
Egypt
3470 Posts |
to CCF You can post pics so that other members could help you identify them. Then it is easy to get as much info as you need regarding grade, weight, mintage number, average value...etc. |
|
Moderator
 Australia
16849 Posts |
Sovereigns are, of course, gold coins. The half-sovereign is 19mm across and weigh 4 grams, the sovereign is 22mm across and weighs 8 grams, and the somewhat scarcer 2 pound and 5 pound coins are larger still.
The "St George slaying Dragon" design is the most commonly encountered design for these coins; the coat of arms is found on some coins from the 1800's.
The sovereign was a popular trade coin both within the British Empire and outside of it; they were especially popular in the Middle East. As such, fake sovereigns are always a possibility. The fakes might be shockingly obvious or incredibly subtle; they might be made of gold, they might not - it depends on whom (if anyone) the faker was trying to fool.
You should also be aware that these coins were struck at numerous mints throughout the Empire; all but London Mint coins have a mintmark on them somewhere. Show us a pic or let us know the date and size, and we'll be able to identify it further.
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
|
|
Pillar of the Community
Australia
2830 Posts |
G'day & welcome,
I like Sovs too.
I suggest that you get a book on British coinage generally, or one that specializes on Sovs. I have Marsh: it's slim, but good, as far as it goes.
Get yourself a good loupe, and some scales. Calipers would also be useful. These are your best defences against forgery, apart from familiarity with your subject, of course.
Get familiar with calculating the "spot" price of gold, so you can recognize a bargain when it comes your way.
Next, decide which "theme" you want to collect.
All the mints ?
All the obverses ?
other themes: for example, nine varieties of sov were issued in the single year 1887. So, that's a neat set in itself.
Any questions: don't hesitate to ask.
Peter in Oz
|
|
New Member
 United Kingdom
2 Posts |
Thank you all so much! You have made me feel welcome. I will upload some pictures, just need to lower the file size first. You have certainly made me think about many things, I have been looking through ebay to get an idea of ones I like and sometimes I just want them all lol.. But so far I am taken with george 2 era and victorias coins. I have a little collection mostly being worthless but you know, you have to start somewhere. I will update with some pics so please check back. Hope your all ok |
| |
Replies: 7 / Views: 1,532 |
|
Posted 02/26/2009 7:56 pm
