Australian Penny - please help!

I picked up the attached Australian Penny a few weeks ago. When I look in Krause it implies that the 1920 with no dots above or below the scrolls is much scarcer than the ones with dots. Am I reading this one right? Is it indeed that scarce? What value would it have, taking into account the bit of verdigris showing on both sides?

 

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My interpretation is its 1920 (m & sy) Melbourne & Sydney without dots $10 in fine $75 in VF.

 

Yes - my 2011 edition of Krause gives $20 in Fine, $150 in VF, which seems a lot for a 20th Century Penny. My query, probably for someone who collects Australian coins, is: Is this realistic?

 

My Krause is 2006.

Here is the Aussie Blue Sheet, prices in AU$ however like all price lists they are just guides.
http://www.bluesheet.com.au/Australia/Commonwealth_Coinage/One_Penny/George_V/1920_MS-values.html

 

As someone who collects aussie coins those prices aren't realistic. You can cherry pick most of these for dirt cheap. But 1920 is the most confusing year for these coins haha.

If I can remember right the rarest one is the dot above upper scroll. Followed by the double dot. Then no dots. And then there's the dot above lower scroll and dot below the lower scroll that are both fairly common.

I've sold some of the double dot ones for about $20. But that's a lot lower than most price guides have them. Honestly the only one that brings big money is the dot above upper scroll. Most those can actually bring in $200.

 

That's rather what I suspected! So a fair price for mine at market would be....?

 

It's in pretty solid condition. Except for the verdigris. I would probably say $5-10?

 

That sounds fair. I am in the UK so GBP 4 to 8.

Amen!

 

Hit that coin with some VerdiCare!

 

In Australia a realistic price for the 1920 no dot penny is AU$100 in VF30.This is a scarce grade for a 1920 penny and the minimum grade at which "no dot" can be conclusively verified. (I live in OZ) Regards John.

 

Thanks johnyb, that sounds pretty good! Would you give my coin VF? Would you use Verdicare on it to reduce the evidence of verdigris?

 

Hi PaddyB, in OZ your coin is easily VF30. Had the two pearls (=dots) to the left of the centre diamond been more visibly separated ,the grade would be VF35. Some dealers/sellers would take the next step and say EF40. I'm on old codger and grade by Australia's stricter standards of the 1960's so it's VF30 for me.I'm not familiar with Verdicare but I would soak in high quality olive oil to arrest further deterioration (and I would not hesitate to bid/
pay $100 for this coin. I'm delighted to have found this site so I can drool over your array of superb pre 1945 coins.!

 

Good to have you! I lived in Oz for a couple of years. I know the prices are higher there. I've found it a lot cheaper to pick up key dates/mintmarks over in the states. I've gotten the 1925 and 1946 for less than $30.

 

First, welcome to the neighborhood, johnyb!

I don't collect foreign coins, but I often find it interesting to learn things about them.

Chris

 

I have PM'ed you - did you get that message?

 

While all you Aussie collectors are watching this thread, I have a query I have quite a few 1968 and 1969 2 cent coins circulated but VF condition, could anybody give me an idea what they are worth?

 

That dark color on the coin looks more like corrosion or advanced, penetrating verdigris. Verdicare might lighten it up but I doubt much. Just giving my opinion, could be wrong