Despite the difficulties in 2020, I did add a few coins to my collection. Some of these I would love to retain but some have shown unexpectedly high appreciation (60-300%) in just a few months and I’m sorely tempted to cash in. 10. France 1724/14 Louis d’Or - Overstrike With a very clear overstrike, I hope to retain this and pass it on to the ones to follow. Not sure what they would decide to do with it. 9. GB 1798/7 Guinea in MS63 - Overstrike Remnants of a 7 in the date but a rare MS state overstrike nevertheless. 8. GB 2008 £5 Accession of Elizabeth I 450th Anniversary of Elizabeth I’s accession to the throne in PF70UC grade. A rare modern issue. 7. GB 2002 Golden Jubilee issue £5 One year type with wreath reverse. A business strike (mintage 1,350) which is much more rare and difficult to find than the Proof version (mintage 3,000) and in MS70DPL. Shares the top spot with only 9 other specimens. 6. GB 1989 500th Anniversary of the sovereign (4 Coin set) One of the most popular modern designs which is constantly appreciating. All four coins in PF70UC.
5. GB 1994 Double Sovereign (2 Pounds) Mule 300th Anniversary of the Bank of England issue. This has the ‘wrong’ obverse portrait due to an error by The Royal Mint. I won’t be hurrying to return it to them. 4. GB 1862 Half Sovereign (AU Details Harshly Cleaned) With an unknown mintage and less than 30 known examples, this is a once in a lifetime (or at least in a decade) opportunity for me. Rated R6 and rarely seen in any condition, I’m pleased I could acquire this specimen even in ‘details’ grade. 3. GB 1874 Shield Sovereign The last year for the shield reverse to be minted at London made this instantly collectable and a difficult one to find. 2. GB 2019 in memory of The Great Engravers (William Wyon) Probably the closest I’ll get to the 1839 £5 Una and the Lion (at least for now). Using the original image and struck to perfection. 1. GB 1818 Sovereign in MS62+ The MUCH rarer version of the 1818 issue with a ‘Descending colon’ after BRITANNIAR on the obverse. When the cataloguer forgets to mention this, someone loses out and someone wins. Oh and did I mention that I’ve been concentrating on Ancients and Great Britain coins lately!!! Let's pray for a happier and safer New Year in 2021
Very British indeed. I like the balance between very modern (21st century) and more classic (18th & 19th century).
Those are strikenly magnificent Najib! The UK is one of the last sovereign nations to produce classic design coinage/ sadly my Country/ Germany went to the ugly side. That 1989 set is wonderfull/ have to get me a set. Congratulations on both your "Ancients" and post 1400 top tens..... John
Is it an overstrike or overdate? My understanding of overstrike is striking fresh design on older coins.
