Mervyn Mitton

Hi Joe - 32 pictures - at my age and fingers, you owe me one ! Anyway, here goes. These 32 Challenge Coins are from the collection of ADROB (Joe - who is a police officer in Malta). He will post a covering description of each one.I was very interested to see the Metropolitan Police ones - had no idea that they existed. There are some lovely designs - the Specials is very good. For those who say they are not official - yes I can agree - but I could see the public thinking them to be identification, particularly if they were pinned in a wallet.

Joe - I think the restriction is something to do with the number of posts you have made - I'm sure someone will explain. I will be very happy to load them for you - and say they are from you. email them to me at cathay@iafrica.com I think they are very interesting as a field of collecting - how did you start with them ? If the Malta Police have produced one I think you would have a lot of swops available. Mervyn

I do agree with Nick - the very word 'coin' indicates this new section. However, I would like to say Coin Sections gain - is a loss to Foreign Police - who needed the boost as well. Still, the last thing we want is any dissension and perhaps it is for the best. Scott's description was very informative. One of my best friends was a former Met. Ch.Insp. and was in charge of the Firearm Section. I'm going to ask him if he has any of the Met. one that Tom mentions. We have really only seen examples from the US and heard of some others - what about the European military and police ? Also, the US would have introduced this into Countries they serve-in - what about Japan and the Phillipines ?

An unusual piece - and suitable for the quiz ? I thought at first it may have been for a walking stick - they were popular gifts. However, it is too flat. Perhaps a desk ornament or, a smoking set - again popular ? The shape would indicate though - a picture frame. It would slip onto the wood and could be screwed from the reverse ? I don't suppose you will ever know for sure - although Lincoln may have a record somewhere - contact the main library and see what the paper reports for that date - if the Chief Constable was present there may well have been a photo and a press release. Everyone should post what they think the gift was - and that will 'push' Brian to find out......

I agree with you, Chris. A beautifully designed and balanced piece. I have just been going through looking at prices - the average, for quite mediocre examples is about US $ 750-800. In Rands that's 5500 - they used to be R1500 a short time ago. (US750 = approx.500 pounds !)