Here is my first addition for the month, and for the year of 2024 - an Australian 1934-35 Melbourne Centenary Florin.
The Victoria/ Melbourne florin was issued to commemorate the 100th anniversary of European settlement in the state of Victoria & city of Melbourne. 75,000 of these coins were struck to commemorate this event, and were sold for 3 shillings a piece (150% face value) at the Melbourne Town Hall on Swanston Street, technically making this Australia’s first non-circulating legal tender coin.
Of the original mintage of 75,000, 21,595 of these coins were returned to the Melbourne Mint, where they were subsequently melted down, making the final mintage for this commemorate issue a total of 53,405 pieces.
Take note of the faint die crack running through the robes of KGV, which much like that of the 1923 half penny, is used to help determine authenticity of these coins.
The Victoria/ Melbourne florin was issued to commemorate the 100th anniversary of European settlement in the state of Victoria & city of Melbourne. 75,000 of these coins were struck to commemorate this event, and were sold for 3 shillings a piece (150% face value) at the Melbourne Town Hall on Swanston Street, technically making this Australia’s first non-circulating legal tender coin.
I'll be interested to know from our Australian experts on Numista whether these florins got into circulation in any significant numbers. By “significant” I don't look for an exact number, but even something like one in twenty or twenty-five (4-5%) would be significant in my view. They are of the same specifications as the circulating florins (metal content, weight, diam.) which means they can “melt” in with circulating florins…
The Victoria/ Melbourne florin was issued to commemorate the 100th anniversary of European settlement in the state of Victoria & city of Melbourne. 75,000 of these coins were struck to commemorate this event, and were sold for 3 shillings a piece (150% face value) at the Melbourne Town Hall on Swanston Street, technically making this Australia’s first non-circulating legal tender coin.
I'll be interested to know from our Australian experts on Numista whether these florins got into circulation in any significant numbers. By “significant” I don't look for an exact number, but even something like one in twenty or twenty-five (4-5%) would be significant in my view. They are of the same specifications as the circulating florins (metal content, weight, diam.) which means they can “melt” in with circulating florins…
Nice start to the year, Turi and IM94.
30,000 were actually purchased by a department store toward the end of the centenary celebration (Foy & Gibson), who then handed these coins out in their customers’ change. I’m sure there were many of these 30,000 that were kept out of circulation further by these customers, but this is the main way they would have entered circulation.
They are quite commonly found in higher grades, suggesting little circulation from a sizeable quantity of these coins. In fact, I don’t think I’ve ever seen one as low as VG.
It would be quite interesting to determine how many of these were in fact melted down, as I’m sure this wasn’t an uncommon occurrence.
Take note of the faint die crack running through the robes of KGV, which much like that of the 1923 half penny, is used to help determine authenticity of these coins."
Yes, this die crack through the robes, which can lead off to both the left and right is present on later business strikes of both Die A and B.
Specimen strikes, and business strikes of Die A ,also have a small vertical die crack coming down from the base of the horse's front right ‘elbow’. I can see that line on your specimen.
30,000 were actually purchased by a department store toward the end of the centenary celebration (Foy & Gibson), who then handed these coins out in their customers’ change. I’m sure there were many of these 30,000 that were kept out of circulation further by these customers, but this is the main way they would have entered circulation.
Thx for the explanation, IM94. Since they handed them out in change, I suppose they got them at face value from the Mint?
30,000 were actually purchased by a department store toward the end of the centenary celebration (Foy & Gibson), who then handed these coins out in their customers’ change. I’m sure there were many of these 30,000 that were kept out of circulation further by these customers, but this is the main way they would have entered circulation.
Thx for the explanation, IM94. Since they handed them out in change, I suppose they got them at face value from the Mint?
I could be wrong, but I believe they were actually purchased by Foy & Gibson for the usual 3/- each, and they were given out at a loss.
I do recall looking at an article from The Argus (local newspaper at the time) outlining what happened to the centenary florins, I wonder if that newspaper is in some online archives somewhere.
Perhaps someone else knows a little more about it than me, I would be interested to find out more too.
Take note of the faint die crack running through the robes of KGV, which much like that of the 1923 half penny, is used to help determine authenticity of these coins."
Yes, this die crack through the robes, which can lead off to both the left and right is present on later business strikes of both Die A and B.
Specimen strikes, and business strikes of Die A ,also have a small vertical die crack coming down from the base of the horse's front right ‘elbow’. I can see that line on your specimen.
Thanks for the clarification, ttkooau. I wasn’t aware these were present on the specimen strikes too.
For anyone interested, the photos on this website shows a closeup of the die markers of the MC florins:
30,000 were actually purchased by a department store toward the end of the centenary celebration (Foy & Gibson), who then handed these coins out in their customers’ change. I’m sure there were many of these 30,000 that were kept out of circulation further by these customers, but this is the main way they would have entered circulation.
Thx for the explanation, IM94. Since they handed them out in change, I suppose they got them at face value from the Mint?
I could be wrong, but I believe they were actually purchased by Foy & Gibson for the usual 3/- each, and they were given out at a loss.
I do recall looking at an article from The Argus (local newspaper at the time) outlining what happened to the centenary florins, I wonder if that newspaper is in some online archives somewhere.
Perhaps someone else knows a little more about it than me, I would be interested to find out more too.
The Argus is indeed archived online. For me, loading is painfully slow, but it's still faster and cheaper than a flight to Australia…
Great coin first of all. Both of my Australian Catalogues MacDonald 2009 and Renniks 2023, mention these coins were sold at 3/- each or a 50% mark up and because of the Depression, this was a silly decision and part of the reason why 21k were melted.
Foy and Gibson did have the bags - but sold them as extras with the coin inside, they never gave them away as change (Maybe if lady Snooty Flowergarden spent £300 on floral hats?). This store thing is almost like the Woolworths rort on bubblegum coins now.
Back in 1935 (Despite the dates, they were released in Feb/Mar 35), there was little interest in collecting coins there - it was the depression, but by 1935 it was definitely easing - money was returning and people were starting to get rehired. But it was the 1930s and money was still tight for most. A florin was worth about $10 in buying power then and to keep one as a collectible, would have seen privation for many. That 1/- extra was like an extra $5 for nothing to people then.
The number issued was very low and I doubt they were being sold by the Reserve Bank or even bank branches (Although stamp collecting was about to blow up, coins were not). The mintage of 75k was way too low for practical use. Standard florin mintages were quite high around 2 - 5 million most years, athough 1932 and 1933 saw very low mintages in the low 6 figures, they were way above the mintage of this thing. the 1927 Canberra florin was a bigger hit as 2 million were minted, they were distributed widely and cost just 2/-, no extra fees. Plus in 1927 economic conditions were good and it was more optimistic than 1935.
The mint learned wisely for the next commemorative in 1951 with more minted and no premium - but also by 1951 it was boom time and 2/- was now worth about $4 and wages were climbing - given it was still austerity, it was the opposite to the Depression - lots of money but nothing worthwhile to spend it on!
I love coins. Especially silver, gold and anything really old.
Member of the Royal Numismatic Society of New Zealand and the Auckland Numismatic Society
My first coins for 24, usually I take a break from coin buying over Christmas/New Years - this year will be more low key for me as I am moving and that will take up a lot of my time, at least until April/May.
Some more NZ upgrading courtesy of a New Years Sale - again dealer photos.
1954 penny AU - 1954 was the scarcest date of penny issued for NZ (1.08 million) and most are F - VF, it is insanely rare in EF or better, a standard 1954 penny is a few dollars, this beauty cost me close to $100 and its $500 UNC.
1942 Broken Back shilling - the low back does not touch the grass skirt. This is a rare variety (80k or so) and rare in conditions above Fine, this VF/gVF example was also 3 figures in cost.
1937 Florin - EF barely and a bit grubby, however any NZ silver before 1947 is rare in conditions above Fine and most coins are found in Good or Very Good, nicer coin in the flesh - very clear and black wear there on high relief King's portrait found on 1st year coins of him. I think its overgraded (More a high VF) but it was the cheapest coin here at $45.
1944 Florin in gEF - the increase in condition is apparent - 1944 is the 2nd rarest date and rarest of the silver ones, again most are heavily worn and this very high grade example cost me close to $200 (50% off from $400). Full Unc would cost $1000 - peanuts next to the $10k for 1936. This coin would be around 1 of 20 or less in this grade.
1944 is also a scarce date for Halfcrowns and this one too is gEF and a beauty - again the lighest wear patches on the Kings Cheek, eyebrow and hair lines on the crown. The raised neck appears next. The photos don't show the lustre from these pieces though - which is brilliant.
Finally the best coin costing me $190 and this is the real thing, an Uncirculated silver florin of NZ. This is my first fully UNC and you can see how it differs to the EF coins above it, all those areas of wear above are now wear free. You can also see how brilliant the Kiwi looks and the ghosting of the Kings head coming through. UNC silver Florins and Halfcrowns (Apart from 1933/34 and 1940 Centennial Halfcrown) are as scarce as hen's teeth and this coin is a real prize!
I love coins. Especially silver, gold and anything really old.
Member of the Royal Numismatic Society of New Zealand and the Auckland Numismatic Society
My first coins for 24, usually I take a break from coin buying over Christmas/New Years - this year will be more low key for me as I am moving and that will take up a lot of my time, at least until April/May.
Some more NZ upgrading courtesy of a New Years Sale - again dealer photos.
1954 penny AU - 1954 was the scarcest date of penny issued for NZ (1.08 million) and most are F - VF, it is insanely rare in EF or better, a standard 1954 penny is a few dollars, this beauty cost me close to $100 and its $500 UNC.
1942 Broken Back shilling - the low back does not touch the grass skirt. This is a rare variety (80k or so) and rare in conditions above Fine, this VF/gVF example was also 3 figures in cost.
1937 Florin - EF barely and a bit grubby, however any NZ silver before 1947 is rare in conditions above Fine and most coins are found in Good or Very Good, nicer coin in the flesh - very clear and black wear there on high relief King's portrait found on 1st year coins of him. I think its overgraded (More a high VF) but it was the cheapest coin here at $45.
1944 Florin in gEF - the increase in condition is apparent - 1944 is the 2nd rarest date and rarest of the silver ones, again most are heavily worn and this very high grade example cost me close to $200 (50% off from $400). Full Unc would cost $1000 - peanuts next to the $10k for 1936. This coin would be around 1 of 20 or less in this grade.
1944 is also a scarce date for Halfcrowns and this one too is gEF and a beauty - again the lighest wear patches on the Kings Cheek, eyebrow and hair lines on the crown. The raised neck appears next. The photos don't show the lustre from these pieces though - which is brilliant.
Finally the best coin costing me $190 and this is the real thing, an Uncirculated silver florin of NZ. This is my first fully UNC and you can see how it differs to the EF coins above it, all those areas of wear above are now wear free. You can also see how brilliant the Kiwi looks and the ghosting of the Kings head coming through. UNC silver Florins and Halfcrowns (Apart from 1933/34 and 1940 Centennial Halfcrown) are as scarce as hen's teeth and this coin is a real prize!
Very nice coins, I particularly like those 1944 ones! I would love to get some lower mintage NZ and Fiji coins at some point.
Great coin first of all. Both of my Australian Catalogues MacDonald 2009 and Renniks 2023, mention these coins were sold at 3/- each or a 50% mark up and because of the Depression, this was a silly decision and part of the reason why 21k were melted.
Foy and Gibson did have the bags - but sold them as extras with the coin inside, they never gave them away as change (Maybe if lady Snooty Flowergarden spent £300 on floral hats?). This store thing is almost like the Woolworths rort on bubblegum coins now.
Back in 1935 (Despite the dates, they were released in Feb/Mar 35), there was little interest in collecting coins there - it was the depression, but by 1935 it was definitely easing - money was returning and people were starting to get rehired. But it was the 1930s and money was still tight for most. A florin was worth about $10 in buying power then and to keep one as a collectible, would have seen privation for many. That 1/- extra was like an extra $5 for nothing to people then.
The number issued was very low and I doubt they were being sold by the Reserve Bank or even bank branches (Although stamp collecting was about to blow up, coins were not). The mintage of 75k was way too low for practical use. Standard florin mintages were quite high around 2 - 5 million most years, athough 1932 and 1933 saw very low mintages in the low 6 figures, they were way above the mintage of this thing. the 1927 Canberra florin was a bigger hit as 2 million were minted, they were distributed widely and cost just 2/-, no extra fees. Plus in 1927 economic conditions were good and it was more optimistic than 1935.
The mint learned wisely for the next commemorative in 1951 with more minted and no premium - but also by 1951 it was boom time and 2/- was now worth about $4 and wages were climbing - given it was still austerity, it was the opposite to the Depression - lots of money but nothing worthwhile to spend it on!
Thanks for the explanation, that is some good information about the commemoratives.
Here is a photo I took a few years ago of another one of my MC florins in front of the Foy & Gibson building in Collingwood, Victoria.
My pleasure, its just stuff I read. I have a Victoria Florin too, but its not as nice as yours - good EF.
All I have is this hazy photo of it. When I was on CCF, before I was banned I was accused of it being fake, but it turned out it was a bad photo on my homebrand cellphone back then.
I love coins. Especially silver, gold and anything really old.
Member of the Royal Numismatic Society of New Zealand and the Auckland Numismatic Society
My pleasure, its just stuff I read. I have a Victoria Florin too, but its not as nice as yours - good EF.
All I have is this hazy photo of it. When I was on CCF, before I was banned I was accused of it being fake, but it turned out it was a bad photo on my homebrand cellphone back then.
Nice florin, that is a good looking example.
There is certainly no shortage of them over here in Victoria, so I try and get any I can afford to get if they are cheap.
If you don’t mind me asking, why were you banned from the CCF? I rarely post on there, but I have always enjoyed reading some of the posts. Yours were always very informative.
No trouble at all. I kept complaining to the mods all the time - mostly about a member called Dorado - who kept overloading certain threads with massively oversized images of mostly ordinary coins. This was in the How far back can we go thread in which members had a day to show coins from a certain year and they went backwards. The rules were not to overwhelm the thread and let people post in between each other. If anyone else did flood the thread with 20 pictures in a row of common coins, they got blasted by the moderators - Dorado got away with it and was personally arrogant and rude.
Occasionally I also crossed swords with racist American members who were promoting Trumpism and the right. The Americans hated me as I criticised the over Americanisation of that board and the fact American coins dominated everything.
Also in Xmas 2021 for the gift exchange I sent out a very nice gift, but the guy running it could not work with me due to me being in NZ (He thought it was part of Oregon) and got someone to send me a gift that consisted of 2 cheap coins worth $1 each at most. i complained and got absolutely lambasted for it - apparently I nearly got suspended then.
I forgot to show this as well, this 1904 Florin completes my King Edward VII British florins and all have readable dates!
I got it really cheap and its basically a VF, just a bit grubby.
I love coins. Especially silver, gold and anything really old.
Member of the Royal Numismatic Society of New Zealand and the Auckland Numismatic Society
No trouble at all. I kept complaining to the mods all the time - mostly about a member called Dorado - who kept overloading certain threads with massively oversized images of mostly ordinary coins. This was in the How far back can we go thread in which members had a day to show coins from a certain year and they went backwards. The rules were not to overwhelm the thread and let people post in between each other. If anyone else did flood the thread with 20 pictures in a row of common coins, they got blasted by the moderators - Dorado got away with it and was personally arrogant and rude.
Occasionally I also crossed swords with racist American members who were promoting Trumpism and the right. The Americans hated me as I criticised the over Americanisation of that board and the fact American coins dominated everything.
Also in Xmas 2021 for the gift exchange I sent out a very nice gift, but the guy running it could not work with me due to me being in NZ (He thought it was part of Oregon) and got someone to send me a gift that consisted of 2 cheap coins worth $1 each at most. i complained and got absolutely lambasted for it - apparently I nearly got suspended then.
I forgot to show this as well, this 1904 Florin completes my King Edward VII British florins and all have readable dates!
I got it really cheap and its basically a VF, just a bit grubby.
Nice florin Moneytane. Congrats on completing the KEVII set.
You are sorely missed on CCF.
Here is my addition for 2024
MAMLUK - Shaykh (al-Mu'ayydd Sayf al-Din Abu'l-Nasr) Dimashq Mint AH818 (1415 AD) AR 1/2 Half dirham
Love that coin - those old Arab coins are great for dates.
About CCF - Also got told I was too high maintenance and complaining all the time.
But I am in good steed here and many of you probably know I live in Numistaville now.
I also keep in regular contact with Triggersmob and Redlock.
I love coins. Especially silver, gold and anything really old.
Member of the Royal Numismatic Society of New Zealand and the Auckland Numismatic Society
That is quite frustrating about the CCF, that doesn’t seem very fair. I do agree that it is very American-focused, that is one of the reasons I quite like Numista - there is not one country that dominates the forums as much.
I don’t know if you would remember my account on the CCF, but I was ‘coinanthebarb’. As I said, I posted quite infrequently, so you probably wouldn’t have seen much from my account.
Lovely KEVII florin! The vast majority I have seen of that type are so worn they are dateless, I’ve only got a few of them with readable dates in my collection, so you have done well to get a full set.
MAMLUK - Shaykh (al-Mu'ayydd Sayf al-Din Abu'l-Nasr) Dimashq Mint AH818 (1415 AD) AR 1/2 Half dirham
Very nice coin you have there, I don’t know too much about coins from this region or era, but it looks like it’s got some good detail.
Thanks, it does have some nice detail, but like a lot of other coin issues of that era, the blank size is smaller than the dies, and a lot of text is often left off flan, making ID sometimes difficult if not impossible, especially with Arabic or Nagari script (not that I am very proficient in deciphering it yet!) Russian “wire money" has similar issues.
Take note of the faint die crack running through the robes of KGV, which much like that of the 1923 half penny, is used to help determine authenticity of these coins."
Yes, this die crack through the robes, which can lead off to both the left and right is present on later business strikes of both Die A and B.
Specimen strikes, and business strikes of Die A ,also have a small vertical die crack coming down from the base of the horse's front right ‘elbow’. I can see that line on your specimen.
Thanks for the clarification, ttkooau. I wasn’t aware these were present on the specimen strikes too.
For anyone interested, the photos on this website shows a closeup of the die markers of the MC florins:
That is quite frustrating about the CCF, that doesn’t seem very fair. I do agree that it is very American-focused, that is one of the reasons I quite like Numista - there is not one country that dominates the forums as much.
I don’t know if you would remember my account on the CCF, but I was ‘coinanthebarb’. As I said, I posted quite infrequently, so you probably wouldn’t have seen much from my account.
Lovely KEVII florin! The vast majority I have seen of that type are so worn they are dateless, I’ve only got a few of them with readable dates in my collection, so you have done well to get a full set.
Absolutely I remember you and TTKoo - glad you are both here. And yes its a lot more welcoming - the site is French managed I think, but mods and contributors are global - so much more friendly and less intimidating.
I love coins. Especially silver, gold and anything really old.
Member of the Royal Numismatic Society of New Zealand and the Auckland Numismatic Society
Take note of the faint die crack running through the robes of KGV, which much like that of the 1923 half penny, is used to help determine authenticity of these coins."
Yes, this die crack through the robes, which can lead off to both the left and right is present on later business strikes of both Die A and B.
Specimen strikes, and business strikes of Die A ,also have a small vertical die crack coming down from the base of the horse's front right ‘elbow’. I can see that line on your specimen.
Thanks for the clarification, ttkooau. I wasn’t aware these were present on the specimen strikes too.
For anyone interested, the photos on this website shows a closeup of the die markers of the MC florins:
My first coins for 24, usually I take a break from coin buying over Christmas/New Years - this year will be more low key for me as I am moving and that will take up a lot of my time, at least until April/May.
Some more NZ upgrading courtesy of a New Years Sale - again dealer photos.
1954 penny AU - 1954 was the scarcest date of penny issued for NZ (1.08 million) and most are F - VF, it is insanely rare in EF or better, a standard 1954 penny is a few dollars, this beauty cost me close to $100 and its $500 UNC.
1942 Broken Back shilling - the low back does not touch the grass skirt. This is a rare variety (80k or so) and rare in conditions above Fine, this VF/gVF example was also 3 figures in cost.
1937 Florin - EF barely and a bit grubby, however any NZ silver before 1947 is rare in conditions above Fine and most coins are found in Good or Very Good, nicer coin in the flesh - very clear and black wear there on high relief King's portrait found on 1st year coins of him. I think its overgraded (More a high VF) but it was the cheapest coin here at $45.
1944 Florin in gEF - the increase in condition is apparent - 1944 is the 2nd rarest date and rarest of the silver ones, again most are heavily worn and this very high grade example cost me close to $200 (50% off from $400). Full Unc would cost $1000 - peanuts next to the $10k for 1936. This coin would be around 1 of 20 or less in this grade.
1944 is also a scarce date for Halfcrowns and this one too is gEF and a beauty - again the lighest wear patches on the Kings Cheek, eyebrow and hair lines on the crown. The raised neck appears next. The photos don't show the lustre from these pieces though - which is brilliant.
Finally the best coin costing me $190 and this is the real thing, an Uncirculated silver florin of NZ. This is my first fully UNC and you can see how it differs to the EF coins above it, all those areas of wear above are now wear free. You can also see how brilliant the Kiwi looks and the ghosting of the Kings head coming through. UNC silver Florins and Halfcrowns (Apart from 1933/34 and 1940 Centennial Halfcrown) are as scarce as hen's teeth and this coin is a real prize!
Sorry Moneytane, I missed these from the other day.
All very nice, the 44 half is a fantastic aquisition for you, and the 46 Florin is a pearler, congrats.
Well fair dinkum cobberoo! Strewth, you know I am in New Zealand and the translation would be.
Yup cuz thas a sweet old pinga ay cuz! Mint as bro! 😂🤣
Please tell me you are drinking 4X and have a cubra hat with wine corks hanging off it with an opal on your shelf, a stuffed kangaroo and a boomerang.
They contrast with my plastic tiki, Maori doll with piupiu and wooden kiwi.
Nek minute!
I love coins. Especially silver, gold and anything really old.
Member of the Royal Numismatic Society of New Zealand and the Auckland Numismatic Society
Well fair dinkum cobberoo! Strewth, you know I am in New Zealand and the translation would be.
Yup cuz thas a sweet old pinga ay cuz! Mint as bro! 😂🤣
Please tell me you are drinking 4X and have a cubra hat with wine corks hanging off it with an opal on your shelf, a stuffed kangaroo and a boomerang.
They contrast with my plastic tiki, Maori doll with piupiu and wooden kiwi.
Nek minute!
You crack me up Tane.
FYI when I was a young boy….back in the early 60's, me and my brother had plastic tikis. We would push them into thick mud to make an impression, then melt some of dad's solder in a cut down coke tin in the wood stove, and pour it into the mold. I guess we were contemporary forgers, making barbarous imitation tikis…. what do ya reckon cuz?
I reckon you had too much time on your hands cobber. Should been out hunting for opals or catching some roos.
Here's a coin from your homeland you may not have seen of mine.
1911 Florin upgrade, nearly VF - cost me $50 in the Renniks at $350VF
I love coins. Especially silver, gold and anything really old.
Member of the Royal Numismatic Society of New Zealand and the Auckland Numismatic Society
very attractive coins, turi and moneytane. My collection and my additions are not organized
or focused in this level. With an addition of several modern commemoratives (bullion silver with nice design) I got one tiny but special coin. ¼ real Guatemala, 1888.
Why special?
Does anyone remember a further modern coin without a letter of text?
very attractive coins, turi and moneytane. My collection and my additions are not organized
or focused in this level. With an addition of several modern commemoratives (bullion silver with nice design) I got one tiny but special coin. ¼ real Guatemala, 1888.
Why special?
Does anyone remember a further modern coin without a letter of text?
Aksumite Empire: Ousanas I (325-345) 3 Argyroi (Hahn, Aksumite 25; Munro-Hay Type 33)
Obv: OYC-ΑΝΑ; Draped bust of Ousanas I to right, wearing tight-fitting head cloth and circular earring, all within double linear circle within rayed border Rev: BAC-IΛCI; Draped bust of Ousanas I to right, wearing tight-fitting head cloth and circular earring, all within linear circle within thick circular border within rayed border Dim: 14 mm, 1.39 g, 12 h
The front and back pieces of a coin moulds:
Yaudheyas: Anonymous (ca 190-340 CE) Clay Moulds (Pieper 1662-3)
Left Obv: Incused Kartikeya standing facing, holding a spear in his right hand, with a rooster to right; Brahmi legend around Left Rev: Rough exterior of the terracotta mould
Right Obv: Incused Goddess Devasena standing slightly turned to her left with right hand extended Right Rev: Rough exterior of the terracotta mould
South India: Palm Leaf Manuscript (ca 19-20th century), Tamil Language
First circulating coins Ive bought in many weeks -
Some scarcer dates, both decent looking F.
Yes, nice ones Mr. Midnight. Apart from one Napoleon 5 centimes, I have yet to delve into the French currency prior to the 20th century. Life is too short!
Turi, that's a great example of the countermarked silver akce. Nice clear countermarked "lillah" with the eye shape and beaded margin. Not sure of the significance of the other countermark. Good clear date though AH768 (٧٦٨). The counterstamping was obviously added later.
Turi, that's a great example of the countermarked silver akce. Nice clear countermarked "lillah" with the eye shape and beaded margin. Not sure of the significance of the other countermark. Good clear date though AH768 (٧٦٨). The counterstamping was obviously added later.
ref. Album 2324A
Thanks! Yes I found the lillah countermark. I am looking for the other countermark meaning.
Turi, that's a great example of the countermarked silver akce. Nice clear countermarked "lillah" with the eye shape and beaded margin. Not sure of the significance of the other countermark. Good clear date though AH768 (٧٦٨). The counterstamping was obviously added later.
ref. Album 2324A
Thanks! Yes I found the lillah countermark. I am looking for the other countermark meaning.
It looks to be the same inscription of 'lillah' within a roundish stamp.
i Was travelling back to Canada over the weekend through a bit of a circuitous route.. 2.5hr flight Bombay to Dubai with an entire evening Layover to kill, so went over to the Dubai mall and Burj Khalifa. Then a 15hr to New York where I had an entire day to spend before h took an overnight bus back to Toronto. As luck would have it, I received a spink mailer about the 52nd NYC international convention On Sunday 14th jan. It was just perfect where I could spend a couple hours rummaging through the various trays and viewing all the tables. It was even more amazing to realise this convention was dedicated to ancient world Coins. So there were hardly any US coins to be found, which suited me just fine. it was however the last day and I only managed to arrive at 12pm with show closing at 2.30pm. I knew dealers tend to wrap up a bit earlier than that and as expected by 1.30pm they were beginning to leave. Even though I spent $25 as entry which was a 3day pass for what was really just an hour, i still found some very, very good deals!
Aksumite Empire: Ousanas I (325-345) 3 Argyroi (Hahn, Aksumite 25; Munro-Hay Type 33)
Obv: OYC-ΑΝΑ; Draped bust of Ousanas I to right, wearing tight-fitting head cloth and circular earring, all within double linear circle within rayed border Rev: BAC-IΛCI; Draped bust of Ousanas I to right, wearing tight-fitting head cloth and circular earring, all within linear circle within thick circular border within rayed border Dim: 14 mm, 1.39 g, 12 h
The front and back pieces of a coin moulds:
Yaudheyas: Anonymous (ca 190-340 CE) Clay Moulds (Pieper 1662-3)
Left Obv: Incused Kartikeya standing facing, holding a spear in his right hand, with a rooster to right; Brahmi legend around Left Rev: Rough exterior of the terracotta mould
Right Obv: Incused Goddess Devasena standing slightly turned to her left with right hand extended Right Rev: Rough exterior of the terracotta mould
South India: Palm Leaf Manuscript (ca 19-20th century), Tamil Language
They are all very interesting items Quant Geek. Thank you for sharing.
Got these beautiful coins at NYINC last week. The guy who sold me the German coins was super nice and sold me them for way less than what they're worth since I'm a younger collector. This was my first coin show, definitely will be going to more in the future.
Got these beautiful coins at NYINC last week. The guy who sold me the German coins was super nice and sold me them for way less than what they're worth since I'm a younger collector. This was my first coin show, definitely will be going to more in the future.
Those German 1 Marks are very nice, lots of great detail and lustre. You have done well!
Hey, S1eWar1, those are GORGEOUS coins. Glad you found a dealer who is supportive… don't forget to be loyal!
Moneytane, going back to your earlier post, I really like the 1950s reverses on NZ coinage (OK, I can do without a coat of arms, but even then the totems on that one … if that's what they are … add a bit of interest).
I had an unexpectedly nice find on eBay U.S., where I picked up this tiny 13th c. Brabant denier:
Followed by a pickup for a game I was involved in on coins with very low silver content. This Brabant 2 mite coin was specified at 2.4% silver:
I just got this set yesterday ⬇️ ⬇️ ⬇️. It's from an eBay seller who, like many others, buys RCM roll sets and just brakes them down for re-sale on eBay.
It's described on the RCM website as BU (brilliant uncirculated) which is often informally called “proof-like” (PL), a term which, so far as I know, was invented by the Canadian James Charlton, founder of the Charlton Catalogues.
I'll be interested to know how low or high the 2023 mintage will be. I see sellers on eBay already offering 2024 coins. The 2023 coins were released at the very end of the year, so the mintage is likely to be rather low.
I just got this set yesterday ⬇️ ⬇️ ⬇️. It's from an eBay seller who, like many others, buys RCM roll sets and just brakes them down for re-sale on eBay.
It's described on the RCM website as BU (brilliant uncirculated) which is often informally called “proof-like” (PL), a term which, so far as I know, was invented by the Canadian James Charlton, founder of the Charlton Catalogues.
I'll be interested to know how low or high the 2023 mintage will be. I see sellers on eBay already offering 2024 coins. The 2023 coins were released at the very end of the year, so the mintage is likely to be rather low.
I’m waiting for the one I ordered from the RCM. feel like I made a mistake with the impulse buy lol
My last big buy in for a while, Open Homes start tomorrow (I am selling my home and moving due to estate hassles).
So there will be no more coin buy ins at least for a month.
I am going to drip feed a few coins a post.
All coins are UK again.
1816 Shilling (Despite hazy photo - this coin is AU) and was very expensive.
1874 Sixpence - very close to UNC with buckets of natural cartwheel lustre, this is a real beauty.
1871 Gothic Florin - a new date for me and a really nice example - gVF!
1875 Gothic Florin - another new date, not as nice grade wise (gVG to Fine) but any Gothic Florin is welcome for me. It means I also have all the 1870s dated ones except 1877.
I love coins. Especially silver, gold and anything really old.
Member of the Royal Numismatic Society of New Zealand and the Auckland Numismatic Society
I’m waiting for the one I ordered from the RCM. feel like I made a mistake with the impulse buy lol
In the description the seller was saying that this set would be shipped only late January–early February (i.e. after receiving it from the RCM). Well, he was able to mail it out about the 10th, so I suppose the RCM worked around the clock to fill orders — and possibly bigger orders first..
A gothic florin is one of my main missing British types. I'll try to get a pre 1871 one since technically the British pound was BNA's currency until PEI finally got its decimal coinage in 1871 (though they had time to strike only a 1 cent coin before joining Canada).
Just reading about now how Peter the Great decided to change the Russian coinage in 1700 by replacing wire money with gold and silver coins and a new coin called a “Rouble” made up of 100 Kopecks. I don't have any really old Russian coins. My oldest is a “2 Kopecks” of 1812. Photo also shows a larger 2 Kopecks from 1842 marked Serebom.
Was there any reason why this coin is larger yet 30 years later?
Camerinus - Yes a Gothic Florin is a nice addition to any collection, however I find them hard coins to get. 90% of the ones I see are worn flat and you can barely tell the date and the details on the shields were raised, so are fading by Fine and gone by VG. Many 1850s dates like 1852, 53, 56 and 58 are much more affordable than 1860s. I now have 16 different Gothic Florins, yet none are from the 1860s! A big gap between 1858 and 1870 and then nearly every single date up to and including 1887!
I love coins. Especially silver, gold and anything really old.
Member of the Royal Numismatic Society of New Zealand and the Auckland Numismatic Society
The weight difference between kopecks is a result of monetary reform of Egor Kankrin when an exchange rate between old “paper” and new silver ruble was established as well as different rate between copper and silver
My personal list of scammers from Numista: erniemix, yvain, CassTaylor
On this day in history, in 379, Theodosius I was appointed emperor in the east to succeed to Valens, brother of the Valentinian who issued the coin just posted. Valens ruled over the eastern part but was killed at the disastrous battle of Adrianople (Hadrianopolis), August 9th 378. Theodosius eventually reunited the two halves, east and west, under his rule, but he was the last emperor to do so. All his successors ruled either the west or the east until the west “fell” and only the east remained, commonly known as the Byzantine Empire.
Galeria Valeria, AE follis of Siscia. AD 310-311. GAL VALERIA AVG (no break), diademed and draped bust right on crescent, shoulders facing / VENERI V-ICTRICI, Venus standing left, holding apple and raising drapery. Crescent in left field, Γ in right field. Mintmark SIS. RIC VI Siscia 211; Sear 14590.
Not on Numista yet.
I'm really happy with this coin. High grade and rather rare. Got it at a fair price and Galeria Valeria was missing from my Siscia collection.
I collect and deal in ancient Roman coin. In case you're looking for affordable ancient coins or need any help with the coins you already have send me a message.
Galeria Valeria, AE follis of Siscia. AD 310-311. GAL VALERIA AVG (no break), diademed and draped bust right on crescent, shoulders facing / VENERI V-ICTRICI, Venus standing left, holding apple and raising drapery. Crescent in left field, Γ in right field. Mintmark SIS. RIC VI Siscia 211; Sear 14590.
Not on Numista yet.
I'm really happy with this coin. High grade and rather rare. Got it at a fair price and Galeria Valeria was missing from my Siscia collection.
Very nice, that is an interesting piece. I love the patina!
Two slightly rarer 50ps found vending machine hunting.
The fourth and last Star Wars 50p and the 2024 annual set, I do hope some of them will go into circulation.
Hi to whoever is reading this. Did you know that TYPEWRITER (on a QWERTY keyboard) is the longest word you can type using only the letters on one row of the keyboard.
Not as ancient as some of the new arrivals above but a nice addition to my Nautica collection: 1835 Canadian Prince Edward Island token (PE 10-30). Not sure of the intended value at the time of issue (farthing, halfpenny…?).
Not as ancient as some of the new arrivals above but a nice addition to my Nautica collection: 1835 Canadian Prince Edward Island token (PE 10-30). Not sure of the intended value at the time of issue (farthing, halfpenny…?).
Nice, and here's the link to the catalogue. This was intended as a halfpenny. I personally doubt the PEI attribution, which is based on faulty arguments. These actually circulated through much of British North America. Anyone anywhere could purchase barrels or boxes of these, at a profit for the coiner, and put them into circulation at a profit for oneself.
The problem with Canadian numismatic research is that many in this field say things without providing their arguments and sources, which means that you can't know whether their conclusions are valid or made-up stories… But I have yet to read Chris Faulkner's big book on these tokens: Imperial Designs. Canada's Ships, Colonies & Commerce Tokens, Spink, 2019. I expect this to be very thorough.
Nice, and here's the link to the catalogue. This was intended as a halfpenny. I personally doubt the PEI attribution, which is based on faulty arguments.
WOW! Thank you for enlightening me on this piece and the topic itself! Great to have people like you here!
On this day in history, in 379, Theodosius I was appointed emperor in the east to succeed to Valens, brother of the Valentinian who issued the coin just posted. Valens ruled over the eastern part but was killed at the disastrous battle of Adrianople (Hadrianopolis), August 9th 378. Theodosius eventually reunited the two halves, east and west, under his rule, but he was the last emperor to do so. All his successors ruled either the west or the east until the west “fell” and only the east remained, commonly known as the Byzantine Empire.
Camerinvus, that's a nice Valentinian. Thanks for showing.
Galeria Valeria, AE follis of Siscia. AD 310-311. GAL VALERIA AVG (no break), diademed and draped bust right on crescent, shoulders facing / VENERI V-ICTRICI, Venus standing left, holding apple and raising drapery. Crescent in left field, Γ in right field. Mintmark SIS. RIC VI Siscia 211; Sear 14590.
Not on Numista yet.
I'm really happy with this coin. High grade and rather rare. Got it at a fair price and Galeria Valeria was missing from my Siscia collection.
Speaking of nice Roman's that is a very nice Galeria Valeria follis. Has not been over-spent in it's lifetime. A great pick-up, congrats.
“They are all so cool! I love that 1448 one in particular, it has a nice look to it.”
Yeah, it's special. I love the look and feel of the old indian coins, the Islamic coins are cool to try and decipher, and the pre-islamic are just so foreign with the Nagari and devanagari script.
Wow - those Indian coins and the Swedish thing are nice and historic.
Here's some more of my last buy in - back to 19th century United Kingdom sorry.
1890 Double Florin - the last of the 4, this is a lot more seasoned than the other 3 (All EF or near EF), this would fail even Fine.
But 1890 seems to be a very hard year to find for some reason, yet number minted was higher than 1888 (700k). It was the last year of
this barmaids ruin - the mint listened and this coin was no longer minted after just 4 years and less than 2.5 million minted in total.
Some how they managed to condense the wear on this one and it obviously was in use at least into the 20th century.
An 1887 Halfcrown which is probably AU or so. Its only a slight upgrade on the one I have, but has some nicer eye appeal. Surprisingly 1887 was the lowest mintage of this type (1.3 million), yet its the most common and cheapest of all the Jubilee Head halfcrowns. It must have been due to people souveniring these coins (They should have souvenired the Young Head coins of 1887, as they are now rare and these aren't).
1887 Florin - again photo does not do it justice, another high grade shiny piece. I bought it on eye appeal and its barely better than my existing coin.
High Fine - VF but very cleaned shilling from 1866. Basically I am looking for a complete run of shillings from 1838 to 1901 for Victoria's reign and its the 1845 - 1870 period that is proving the hardest, so I will pretty much take anything decent.
And four more dates down - here we have 1849 (VG cleaned), 1853 (Good+ but not cleaned),
1871 Decent gFine - aVF, 1884 gFine - cleaned a long time ago.
I love coins. Especially silver, gold and anything really old.
Member of the Royal Numismatic Society of New Zealand and the Auckland Numismatic Society
Wow - those Indian coins and the Swedish thing are nice and historic.
Here's some more of my last buy in - back to 19th century United Kingdom sorry.
1890 Double Florin - the last of the 4, this is a lot more seasoned than the other 3 (All EF or near EF), this would fail even Fine.
But 1890 seems to be a very hard year to find for some reason, yet number minted was higher than 1888 (700k). It was the last year of
this barmaids ruin - the mint listened and this coin was no longer minted after just 4 years and less than 2.5 million minted in total.
Some how they managed to condense the wear on this one and it obviously was in use at least into the 20th century.
An 1887 Halfcrown which is probably AU or so. Its only a slight upgrade on the one I have, but has some nicer eye appeal. Surprisingly 1887 was the lowest mintage of this type (1.3 million), yet its the most common and cheapest of all the Jubilee Head halfcrowns. It must have been due to people souveniring these coins (They should have souvenired the Young Head coins of 1887, as they are now rare and these aren't).
1887 Florin - again photo does not do it justice, another high grade shiny piece. I bought it on eye appeal and its barely better than my existing coin.
High Fine - VF but very cleaned shilling from 1866. Basically I am looking for a complete run of shillings from 1838 to 1901 for Victoria's reign and its the 1845 - 1870 period that is proving the hardest, so I will pretty much take anything decent.
And four more dates down - here we have 1849 (VG cleaned), 1853 (Good+ but not cleaned),
1871 Decent gFine - aVF, 1884 gFine - cleaned a long time ago.
A fantastic array of QV silver Tane. I am very envious.
“1887 Florin - again photo does not do it justice, another high grade shiny piece. I bought it on eye appeal and its barely better than my existing coin”
Not a coin, but over the years I’ve built up a collection of these souvenir medals through my travels. This one is is from the St. Patrick Cathedral next to Rockerfeller Square in New York. I had passed by the cathedral many times during my trips to New York, but never actually went in. it was a rainy day the weekend before, so it was a nice excuse to spend some time, contemplate, and admire the architecture
Not a coin, but over the years I’ve built up a collection of these souvenir medals through my travels. This one is is from the St. Patrick Cathedral next to Rockerfeller Square in New York. I had passed by the cathedral many times during my trips to New York, but never actually went in. it was a rainy day the weekend before, so it was a nice excuse to spend some time, contemplate, and admire the architecture
Very nice. I love to roam Manhattan, even in the rain.
Please allow me to invite you to our Exomunia board, where we have another latest additions thread every month -
Jamais l'or n'a perdu la plus petite occasion de se montrer stupide. -Balzac
Nice addition, ttkooau, and the rest of you as well 👆👆👆.
For some unknown reason, Licinius is still missing in my collection. I would like to get anything from him, but especially a coin with his facing portrait, which is quite unique in Roman numismatic portraiture.
Not a coin, but over the years I’ve built up a collection of these souvenir medals through my travels. This one is is from the St. Patrick Cathedral next to Rockerfeller Square in New York. I had passed by the cathedral many times during my trips to New York, but never actually went in. it was a rainy day the weekend before, so it was a nice excuse to spend some time, contemplate, and admire the architecture
ah that is interesting, I will indeed do so the next time i come across another token/medal
Final part of my January buy in - really the rest of my coins, but still goodies!
gVF 1886 UK 6d and very worn 3d - the 6d completes my date run from 1872 to 1890
1921 Florin gEF to AU , already have one nearly this nice, but this lacks the toning.
Plus how often do you see 1921s like this, yes its a common date, but 99.9% were used up to 1971 and are very worn (under Fine)
Now leaving the UK and moving to Irish Halfpennies (Whoops Ireland was part of UK then)
1805 and 1822 Halfpennies, the first is pretty worn but decent loking (Likely VG or a bit better). The 1822 is really nice though and easily VF or very close. This means I have most of the halfpennies of the 18th and 19th century. The 1820s coins were the last specifically Irish coins until 1928 - although the Irish used British coins in the interim.
I love coins. Especially silver, gold and anything really old.
Member of the Royal Numismatic Society of New Zealand and the Auckland Numismatic Society
Your Kiwi ones are all stunners, besides the 1944, that 1948 is a gem, you would be amazed how hard it is to find 1947 and 1948 dated florins in AU or UNC, so many were issued to replace the silver ones and they were used heavily through to 2006. Mainly as none were issued between 1951 and 1961, except a small issue in 1953. And then from 1967 to 2006 - they did service as 20 cent coins, until we shrunk our coins in late 2006.
With 1947 and 1948 - most found are VG to Fine, which is about as worn a Cupronickel coin can get here. My ones are good Fine, but I have managed to get better (EF or AU) 1949, 50, 51. Also most collectors of NZ here don't care about high cupronickel and focus more on high grade silver, so most 1947/48 coins are VG to VF and only cost FV or a bit more. The 47 and 48 in EF are close to $100 and UNC $500.
I love coins. Especially silver, gold and anything really old.
Member of the Royal Numismatic Society of New Zealand and the Auckland Numismatic Society
I didn’t think I would be posting anymore coins for this month, but I did end up getting a few more today. These were all purchased for melt value.
British 1887 Shilling
This one is in absolutely amazing condition, and is uncleaned!
Australia 1919 & 1921 Florin
These two grade no better than good, but are both dates I do not have in large quantities at all. These are not key dates in low grades by any means, but are very rare above EF.
British 1836 & 1854 Groat
Both holed, but in slightly better than average in terms of detail. A design I quite like.
Australia 1928 Threepence
This one better than fine and has a nice, dark tone.
British 1897 Threepence
This one has some very nice rainbow toning on the obverse, and a considerable amount of detail left.
Silver Love Token
This one is a love token on a (presumably) silver sixpence host coin. Obverse has been tooled off. Weight & diameter match closely to that of a sixpence. Would be difficult to determine the exact era of it.
Nothing too valuable, but that is what you expect for melt value. I am of course very happy with the 1887 shilling in particular!
This is not something I would usually collect, nor go out of my way to purchase, but I did also find an Australian Bushrangers ‘C’ mintmark $1 coin in my change today. This is from the ‘mint your own’ exhibition at the Royal Australian Mint, and thereby should not be found in circulation unless someone has broken it out of the packaging.
