Zebo

The 1983 proof half sovereigns are out there, but I have not seen - nor have I ever heard about a BU 1983. Southhall, Pobjoy and one other source (slips my mine at the moment) all conform that. What did you write about the proof? I really should start collecting those as well.

I like the magifier - what are you using?

The proofs do not have a die Mark associated with them. As far as the number of dies used - I am not sure. I collect the BU issues and not proofs - otherwise I would have dove into the minds of the Pobjoy staff and would have tried to figure that one out. They were pretty consistent with their designs in a given year. The two and the five pound issues were a little more limited, but kept the same design. They just didn't issue a couple of years as compared to the half and full sovereign.

Good for you - on your plans on collecting the half sovereign. NGC has the slots correct. The IOM came out with the 1965, they then started the series in earnest in 1973. There are only proofs for 1983. Pobjoy confirmed That they did not strike any BU 1983 1/2 sovereigns. I've started to collect the die varieties as well. One interesting occurence. I saw a 1993 IOM 1/2 sovereign with the Norse warrior reverse for sale. It was a bit pitted, but overall in good shape. I was after a couple other coins at the time and did not buy it (I should have). I talked to Pobjoy and they could not determined if they issued it or not (again very poor records). They said it is possibly theirs that was made special for a dealer, but weren't sure. Who knows if another one will pop up and then the question will be to add it into the registry or not. Without proof the Pobjoy issued it, there will be a good debate. I've talked to Southhall a few times and folks at the Pobjoy mint many times. Pobjoy drives me nuts with their inadequate records. Southhall did a good job with the information out there and at the Pobjoy mint. He does have some errors in his book, but overall - it is good and the best reference in existence. I continually look for these issues and will probably upgrade a couple in the future. Let me know when you start - it is a fun series.

While I am a classic kind of guy, I do dabble in Moderns (both circulated and NCLT). I enjoy the Isle of Man history and coinage - both classic and modern. Today I will highlight the reverse on the sovereign issues. In this instance the half sovereign. This is a short series and can be collected in proof or BU (not to mention die mark on the BU). I will not go into some of the privy marks on the different issues at this time. These are for sale every now and again. I've been searching for one of them for about seven years now. The 1984 is a rarity with 20 minted (per catalogs) in BU and 12 in Proof. I've only seen one for sale as did a major seller in the UK and I snatched it up. The obverse is of Elizabeth II (the current Lord of Man). Man is a Crown Dependency. The Isle of Man has the longest continuous running parliament in the world (and the longest running continuous horse drawn tram that I have highlighted before that holds some significance to me). It also has great TT races for you race fans.

Haven't seen you post in a while. Good to see it.

Same here. I haven't really warmed up to the design, but would like some for my type collection.

Haven't thought about attending a auction in central PA. Been to a couple shows - both were good. This should be a good time for interesting items to be coming out as they are inherited. I was just up in Altoona - but wasn't thinking coins. For you PA football fans - which I am not watching anymore because of the rotten politics that has created in - did you know that the Eagles and Steelers once had to merge and become one team called the Steagles?

Good looking set - how long has it taken you to put it together?

I like it.

Nice coin

My eyes must be going . Thanks for the correction.

Nice close up shots - have fun with your new toy.

It went for $1,560,000 including juice.

That would be quite a collection. You sure you have enough room to store them all? We'd have to create a new designation other than PF and MS - you'd need at least a BS series.

Good point - with all this stimulus around the world these days and the need to park some of it someplace - why not.

I have a gold crown that has lasted over 45 years, I have a ceramic crown - which I had to have replaced three times for the past six years. Tell me which one is better.

I'll be watching -- set the alarm just a bit ago.

That's part of the reason I put these posts out there. They may appeal to someone (young or old) and they are different. If it gets anyone interested in coins - it's a good thing. And they do attract conversation. As as far as the knight coin goes - that is the first king of the Isle of Man - good legend - and one that I own. I'm part Manx so it has some meaning along with being a neat looking coin (piece of art).

I like them better than the colorized basketball issue the mint just came out with. At least they are interesting. In the end, however - I just a classics guy.

That's who I was thinking of - and wouldn't have mentioned it if no else did. Definitely - two heavy weights.

Nope - mine does not have it - so no help.

Glad that you made it to Chards last time. This tour - don't forget to pick up your Royal Mint Juke Bag. I'm still looking for the photo of mine.

Are you talking about the small circular depression above the 4 and just below and slightly to the right of the initials? I'm looking on mine, but the photo is too dark to tell.