Here are some particularly attractive toners that were part of a larger lot I acquired today. They were in a dansko binder but I think the toning came from another source as not all pieces were toned this way. Lemme know what you think!
Those are some really nice toners. These all have classic-old time toning, but definitely not Dansco. Older Danscos will tone coins, but not in that pattern. That is a type of toning we often call "envelope toning" - from the small 2x2 manila envelopes that many collectors stored coins in. The 3pences are Maundy, right? Do those usually come circulated? I thought those were special issues.
All 19th century and early 20th 3 pence silver had the same design as Maundy. Only the finish was different. All these shown seem circulation version.
I did a bit of reading on the issue and apparently it's quite tough to tell the difference. @V. Kurt Bellman is there a trick or a telltale sign?
It's almost like distinguishing Barber proofs from really nice BU's. There is a quasi-mirrored field on the Maundy version. The devices are ultra-sharp. SOMETIMES really thick toning can mask a Maundy. I would consider the 1897 a candidate, without the benefit of lighting swirl. Of course, hanging around with a 1, 2 and 4 is pretty convincing.
I'd say XF on the 1897. The George V sixpence is a real beauty. It's a coin I'm pretty familiar with; I have several of this variety in my collection in VF and XF. Unless there's something the photos aren't showing, I think yours would grade UNC.
