Picked the pair up for $45. Ok deal? or overpaid? I just had to have them. Not sure on the value. If you need closer pics let me know. thanks in advance
I picked them up at local coin show last week. I originally wanted just the 1747, did not even see the 1749. The dealer wasnt at his table, his assistant was. Told her I would come back in a few. When I came back he was there and pulled out the 1749 and said "$50 for the pair". I asked if he would take $45 and he agreed. Real nice guy. Have bought other stuff from him. Has one of the smaller tables usually at the show.
First, let me welcome you to the world of 18th century British coinage. Although I don't collect coins, I do "accumulate" them to aid in my studies of 18th century Britain. It is amazing to think those two coins (1749 Farthing (1/4D) and 1747 halfpence (1/2D), if I'm not mistaken) were minted just a few years after Bonnie Prince Charlie's romantic, but silly and fruitless uprising (known as the "forty-five"). http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jacobite_rising_of_1745 It may be surprising, but the price the dealer sold them for was fair. People are always amazed that early milled British coinage is so cheap. Your coins are no exception. It is not worth getting them slabbed since at least one might get a "details only" grade. Enjoy the coins. Use them as a tool to learn more about the fascinating history that most people (and tragically, the British themselves) don't know about. For a better feel of the era, rent the movie "Tom Jones:" "Henry Fielding's classic novel charts the rise of a charming orphan who's raised among the well-bred and blossoms into a handsome womanizer. But he ultimately meets his match upon falling for a beautiful heiress." (from Netflix). Most importantly, enjoy them. They are a real piece of history. guy
given the condition, i think the price is a bit high honestly. i've been amazed too that you can get 18th century coins for super cheap. i think you can get a slew of 18th century farthings and pennies for under five bucks each. and 19th century british pennys i've found for as low as twenty cents each. easy way to make a collection.
