Hi all, This post may sound a little naive, but here goes... I am a very green noob to sovereigns. However, I just took delivery of 10 x full sovereigns which I scored at an embarressingly low price. Being naturally excited with my purchase, I started reading the few threads available here, and seeing there are "jeweller's copies" around. I weighed them all, and most of them weighed in at 7.98-7.99g. One weighed in at 7.93g? Thickness and diameter looks identical to the others. Just wondering what is an acceptable weight variation? Would an SG test be more appropriate? I don't have a set of fische, but they all look legit when compared to internet pics of the legit coin. Also, are the prices at Jaggards for real? If so, then I just made a bundle on these? But it looks too good to be true. Here is a pic:
That's a cracker deal mate, i'm no expert on sovs but they all look good to me. Jewellers copies that I have seen are very crude and have been made from 9ct so you will most definately know the difference. In saying that though I have heard of some very good copies as well. Yours all look good to me though, those shields are nice
Thanks. I have just been looking at the plathora of variations. And I have no idea about grades. :/ This will keep me busy for a while.....
The guy I was dealing with was a bit of a prick, and on the offensive from the start. He said a dealer had offered him 85% of spot, and he knew exactly what 1/2 sovereigns were worth and that he'd take no less than 90% spot and I'd also have to pay for delivery. A bit taken back, I agreed, thinking he was a bit of a wanker. Then when I opened the parcel..... and they all weighed just under 8g.... well, the rest is history. Lucky he knew exactly what they were worth :lol: Best buy I ever made.
Errrr only one thing comes to mind regarding the original source of those hearing a story like that :/
The Shield Sovereign was minted in Australia between 1871 - 1887 Young Head These were introduced to actually be a bit more neutral. In eastern countries it was not good to show your mythical creatures being speared by people who wish to trade. If you can try and get a better picture of the 1872 date and also if you see a mint mark. The rest are not Australian, I cannot assist at all on those ones sorry.
Further research on the 1872 shows this was an over date year (very rare) it also shows it was a "M" mint. Yours appears to have a "M" this is on the reverse at the bottom under the shield, wreaths. The 2 looks a little different on yours. Who knows you may have really hit the jackpot ? 1902 - Bullion (unless rare international mint variety) 1885 M "No BP" this is a rarer one however the damage will effect the value approx $1200 without damage EF ? 1898 "?" S is the rarer one 1911 bullion as above 1892 "S" is the rarer one Hope that helps a little further
Thanks Austacker. Here is a better pic of the 1872. (though none of my pics are exceptional) I found another 2 with Australian mint marks. Maybe you could help with these too? Much appreciated.
My reference states the following - 1872 M Scarce !! Hold onto that one or sell at a good price but do your due diligence as it might be worth a tidy sum !! 1885 M common with mintage ~ 1.6 mil 1892 M normal with mintage ~ 3.5 mil 1902 P common with mintage ~ 1.6 mil keep us posted on how things pan out and especially w.r.t. your 1872 hoping it is the real McCoy.