Acceptable weight variation?

Discussion in 'Sovereigns' started by wrcmad, Jan 25, 2013.

  1. wrcmad

    wrcmad Well-Known Member Silver Stacker

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    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:

    [​IMG]
     
  2. SilverSurfer77

    SilverSurfer77 Well-Known Member Silver Stacker

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    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 :p
     
  3. wrcmad

    wrcmad Well-Known Member Silver Stacker

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    If I told you exactly how good it was, you wouldn't believe me.... :cool:
     
  4. Austacker

    Austacker Active Member

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    Just make sure you are comparing same for same. Mint marks etc...
     
  5. spannermonkey

    spannermonkey Well-Known Member Silver Stacker

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    Face value ?
    :lol:
     
  6. wrcmad

    wrcmad Well-Known Member Silver Stacker

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    Thanks. I have just been looking at the plathora of variations. :eek:
    And I have no idea about grades. :/

    This will keep me busy for a while.....
     
  7. wrcmad

    wrcmad Well-Known Member Silver Stacker

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    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. :D
     
  8. goldpelican

    goldpelican Administrator Staff Member

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    Errrr only one thing comes to mind regarding the original source of those hearing a story like that :/
     
  9. Austacker

    Austacker Active Member

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    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.
     
  10. Austacker

    Austacker Active Member

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    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
     
  11. wrcmad

    wrcmad Well-Known Member Silver Stacker

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    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. :)

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]
     
  12. wrcmad

    wrcmad Well-Known Member Silver Stacker

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    ooops. Missed the 1885:

    [​IMG]
     
  13. Dan Unda

    Dan Unda Member Silver Stacker

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    Is that a die# on the 1866 coin?


    :)
     
  14. wrcmad

    wrcmad Well-Known Member Silver Stacker

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    Yes, it says 73.

    Man, that die number is the limit of my eyesight without a magnifying glass. :eek:
     
  15. Photonaware

    Photonaware Active Member

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    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.
     
  16. wrcmad

    wrcmad Well-Known Member Silver Stacker

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    Thanks Photonaware. I have kept them all - I have since determined they are all the real thing.
     

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