Is it worth £1 or £17,000? How to find very valuable Victorian Penny Coins!
TLDRIn this video, the host explores the fascinating world of Victorian pennies with coin dealer Alvin at Antiques on High in Somerset. They discuss the transition from copper to bronze coinage in 1860 due to the weight and rising prices of copper. The conversation delves into the subtle differences between common and rare pennies, such as the 1863 slender 3, which sold for £17,000. Alvin shares tips for coin collecting, emphasizing the importance of knowledge and interest in identifying valuable varieties. The video highlights the thrill of learning and the potential to make money from this hobby.
Takeaways
- 🌟 In Britain's antique centers, auctions, shops, and fairs, there's always something new to learn about coins and their history.
- 📈 The transition from copper to bronze coinage in 1860 was due to the heaviness of copper coins and the soaring price of copper.
- 🏌️♂️ Alvin, a coin dealer, explains the intricacies of Victorian pennies, highlighting the vast price range from £1 to £17,000.
- 🔍 The difference between a common penny and a rare one can be minuscule, requiring expert knowledge to identify.
- 💰 An 1863 slender 3 penny, very rare and worn, sold for £17,000 at auction, showcasing the value of rarity.
- 🧐 Coin collectors can find scarce varieties like the 1865 over three, which was created to save minting costs and is worth £20-£30 in low grade.
- 📈 The year 1869 is also known for having scarce pennies, which can be worth £50-£60 in low grades.
- 📚 For beginners interested in coin collecting, starting with Victorian expenses is recommended, but silver coins from various countries might be more budget-friendly.
- 🤑 Even common Victorian pennies can hold value, with some selling for £1-£2, while rare varieties can fetch much higher prices.
- 📈 The most expensive Victorian Penny Alvin sold was an uncirculated 1865 over three for £1,600.
- 💡 Knowledge is vital in coin collecting; it comes from interest, study, and the thrill of learning about the different varieties and their history.
Q & A
What is the main focus of the video?
-The main focus of the video is to discuss Victorian pennies with a coin dealer named Alvin, highlighting the differences between common and rare varieties, and sharing tips for coin collecting.
Why did the change from copper to bronze coinage occur in 1860?
-The change occurred because copper coins were too heavy and the price of copper had increased. Switching to bronze allowed for a reduction in size and weight of the coins.
What is a 'bun penny'?
-A 'bun penny' is a basic Victorian penny made of bronze, which was introduced in 1860 when the coinage switched from copper to bronze.
What makes some Victorian pennies very rare and valuable?
-Some Victorian pennies are rare and valuable due to factors like the specific year of minting, the condition of the coin, and the variety of the coin, such as the 1863 slender 3 which sold for £17,000.
What is the significance of the 1865 over three coin?
-The 1865 over three coin is significant because it was made using an 1863 die, but with the year changed to 1865 to save costs for the mint. This makes it scarce and valuable, with low-grade examples selling for around £20-30.
How much is a common Victorian penny worth today?
-A common Victorian penny today might be worth only £1-2, depending on its condition and the specific variety.
What is Alvin's advice for someone interested in starting a coin collection?
-Alvin suggests starting with Victorian pennies if one has a budget, or silver coins from various countries as they can be affordable and still offer nice variety for a beginner collector.
How did the bronze material affect the minting process for pennies?
-Bronze is harder than copper, which caused the dies to not last as long in manufacturing. This led to many varieties of pennies, some of which are very rare.
What is the most expensive Victorian penny Alvin has ever sold?
-The most expensive Victorian penny Alvin has sold was an uncirculated 1865 over three, which went for £1,600.
How does knowledge play a role in coin collecting?
-Knowledge is vital in coin collecting as it helps identify rare varieties and understand the value of different coins. It also aids in the thrill of the hunt for unique pieces and can lead to making a profit.
What resources does Alvin recommend for learning more about bronze pennies?
-Alvin recommends specialist books that discuss bronze pennies in detail, including their varieties and how to identify them, as a good starting point for learning more about coin collecting.
Outlines
🤝 Meeting Alvin, the Coin Dealer
In this segment, the narrator meets Alvin, a coin dealer, at Antiques on High in Somerset. They discuss Victorian pennies, highlighting the vast difference in value between a common penny worth one pound and a rare one worth seventeen thousand pounds. Alvin explains the transition from copper to bronze coinage in 1860 due to the weight and rising prices of copper. The conversation delves into the intricacies of identifying rare varieties like the 1863 slender 3 and the 1865 over three, emphasizing the importance of knowledge in recognizing these valuable coins.
📚 Coin Collecting Tips and Resources
Alvin shares advice for those interested in coin collecting, suggesting starting with Victorian expenses for collectors but recommending silver coins as a more budget-friendly option for beginners. He discusses the value of common and rare varieties, such as the 1875 H, and shares his experience of selling a top-priced uncirculated 1865 over three for 1,600 pounds. The paragraph concludes with the suggestion to buy specialist books on bronze pennies to deepen understanding and enjoyment of coin collecting, ultimately aiming to make a profit from it.
Mindmap
Keywords
💡Antique Centers
💡Coin Dealer
💡Victorian Pennies
💡Bun Penny
💡Rare Varieties
💡Coin Collecting
💡1863 Slender 3
💡1865 Over Three
💡Knowledge
💡Specialist Books
💡Interest
Highlights
Alvin is a coin dealer with extensive knowledge on Victorian pennies.
The difference between a penny worth one pound and one worth seventeen thousand pounds can be minuscule and requires expert knowledge to identify.
In 1860, the UK changed from copper to bronze coinage due to the weight of copper coins and the soaring price of copper.
Bronze was chosen over copper because it's harder, but this led to dies not lasting long and the creation of many rare varieties.
An 1863 slender 3 penny, which is very narrow, sold for 17,000 pounds at auction due to its rarity despite being worn out.
Alvin is searching through inexpensive pennies to find scarce varieties, not just the extremely rare ones.
1865 over three pennies were created by reusing 1863 dies to save money at the mint, making them scarce and valuable.
Some dates on pennies, like 1869, are scarce and valuable even in low grades, worth about 50-60 pounds.
For those interested in coin collecting, starting with Victorian pennies is recommended, but they can be pricey for young collectors.
Alvin suggests starting a coin collection with silver coins for a more budget-friendly approach.
Knowledge in coin collecting is vital and can be gained through interest, study, and buying specialist books.
The thrill of learning and discovering varieties in coin collecting is a significant part of the hobby.
Alvin found a scarce 1875 H Victorian penny worth about 20 pounds to resell.
The most expensive Victorian penny Alvin ever sold was an uncirculated 1865 over three for 1,600 pounds.
At auction, an 1863 slender three penny sold for 17 or 18,000 pounds, showcasing the value of knowledge in coin collecting.
The process of hunting for scarce coins and the potential to make money adds to the appeal of coin collecting.
Transcripts
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