Interesting Video of an American trip to the UK

Spinks 2012 Coin Book

Just reading through my latest coin book Spink 2012 and was interested to note in their preface that as from next year, it will be getting split up into two books. Decimal and Pre-Decimal. I know a lot of collectors who don't have an interest in later coinage, but there are a growing band, who like collecting the different commemorative issues and the different types of 50p. The prices might surprise some people. So check your change!!

Funniest Coin Video of 2011

Thought this talking hammy video was funny

How were hammered coins made?

This clip was brought to my attention by a forum member, but it really does give an excellent idea of how hammered coins were made

Henry III Gold Penny - The History

For those of you who know me, you will know I have a great interest in the Henry III, Voided Long Cross Coinage. All the coins were silver pennies EXCEPT 'In 1257, a manuscript chronicle, in the archives of the City of London, states that the king made a penny of the finest gold, which weighed two sterlings, and willed that it should be current for twenty pence. Three specimens of it have yet reached us; and two of the three are in the British Museum. They are from different dies. This is engraved in Snellings 'View of the Gold Coin' in the last edition of 'Folkes's Tables' and in Pinkerton's 'Essay on Medals'. SOURCE: THE PENNY ECYCLOPAEDIA OF THE SOCIETY FOR THE DIFFUSION OF USEFUL KNOWLEDGE 1837 Over the coming months I hope to write an illustrated guide to the coinage. I'll keep you informed.

Lions, Ships and Angels A guide to identifying coin-weights, British and Foreign found in the UK

Just been advised of a new book on the market, which surely is invaluable to detectorists. Lions, Ships and Angels A guide to identifying coin-weights, British and Foreign found in the UK. 2nd edition is now available. • New, revised and enlarged edition with over 570 colour photographs of weights and around 50 line drawings. • HB 96 pages. A5 (pocket-sized) • Identifies all major types of british coin-weight from 1344 to 1843. • Identifies most foreign coin-weights likely to be found in British soil. • Details of the British and foreign coins for which the weights were made. • Comprehensive index. • A guide for the archaeologist, collector, curator and metal- detectorist. Price £33 including postage. To order you may ring us on 01691 648 765 or order from our website www.galata.co.uk

Workmen make 'bewitching' discovery

Water engineers have unearthed what could prove to be one of the most infamous sites in England's history of witches and warlocks. United Utilities' workers were "stunned" to discover a 17th century witch's-style cottage, with a mummified cat sealed into the walls, during a routine construction project in Pendle, Lancashire. The "spellbinding" find occurred near Lower Black Moss reservoir in the village of Barley, which nestles in the shadow of Pendle Hill - the UK's premier witching hotspot. Speculation is already rife among local historians that the building could be the lost Malkin Tower - the site of a notorious meeting of the Pendle witches on Good Friday, 1612. http://news.uk.msn.com/uk/workmen-make-bewitching-discovery-36