We have had some good customers in the last couple of days.
One came back with his grandfather to spend his Christmas money and spent quite a lot on filling the gaps in his 50p collection. Generally 50p coins aren’t expensive, even if you are buying uncirculated coins from us. The Kew Garden one is the most expensive you generally see in circulation, though the Blue Peter and Swimming Olympic Error coin do cost more.
However, please note that the Kew Garden coin has to be the 2009 one, the 2019 issue is slightly different and is less expensive, having been issued as part of a commemorative set. The Blue Peter coin, dated 2009, is the winner of a competition and is the rare one. The design was re-used for the Olympic Athletics coin in 2011, which is much commoner. Finally, the error coin – buy one in the original packaging – a loose one could be a fake.
Peter Rabbit. Good in a book or a pie, but not so good on a coin
Some lucky people, who started collecting at the right time found Kew Garden coins in their change, and some bought the Blue Peter ones before anyone knew that it was going to be a rarity. I believe that we sold them for £3 each when we had our original stock from the Royal Mint. Makes you think, doesn’t it?
We had another young collector in today, but he collects old coins and spent his money on a single coin – a florin of Edward VII. They are notable coins because they have a distinctive portrait of Britannia, engraved by an engraver called de Saulles. I’m trying to recruit him for the Numismatic Society, because our demographic profile is such that we only have a couple of members under 60. and we need to keep recruiting.
Finally, a lady called to see if we had ant coins of Henry VIII. Her daughter is reading a series of historical novels set in Tudor times and thought this might be a way to kindle an interest in history. We did have some coins of Henry VIII and I’m pleased to report that we now have one less.
I don’t think I have any relevant photos so will see what I can find.
Stephen Hawking 50p
A fascinating post. Good luck with the young potential recruit
I am going to start recruiting this year and see what happens.Some good things might happen.
It sounds like a good day that brought you nice people and a possible new member for the Numismatic Society. As Tootlepedal would say, a check in the plus column in the Great Ledger of Life.
Yes, several ticks to be honest. It was a good day.
I’m with Tootlepedal. Also, great way to connect with history.
His mother is a geologist and was very happy hen I told him he would need to work on science, geography and science (for metallurgy and minting) at school. 🙂
So good to hear you have enjoyed some of your recent customers. Doesn’t that make all the difference? You gave some wonderful tips on what to buy and what not to buy. I bet there are a lot of people who would love the knowledge you have on those topics.
It’s a great job, I have to admit. And one which needs people of particular skills – customer service, knowledge and the ability to mount medals, amongst other things.
A good day indeed. I hope that the lad joins the society.
I am working on it.