Disappointed, but I suppose we learn from experiences.

In a recent swap with an overseas member, whose messages I had to run through a translator as neither of us spoke the other's language, I agreed to swap my last (at that time) spare silver shilling even though the swap partner had nothing of equivalent for me to swap for it. I chose a 1990 (large size) Proof 5p coin that he had listed in his swaps list as what I saw as a fair balance for the shilling, and other coins (one for one) that I needed and which were of equivalent value etc. to the others that he had requested, all was agreed to by the swap partner. After a rather long time waiting for the coins (which was a problem with the post, not the swapper) they arrived; in general most of the coins were in an acceptable condition, but instead of the Proof (large) 5p I received a bog standard (small) 5p of the same year, which to me is worth, well, 5p!
I'll not name the swapper here as I live in hope that he will still rectify the problem, (although I won't hold my breath). I do feel though that I have learnt lessons from this. Firstly that I will try and limit swaps to ones with other UK members, or, failing that, that I will definitely only swap with members that can message me in English, so that there is less chance of misunderstandings occurring.
Well that's my rant over, back to checking the mail to see if my desired coin turns up......

hi, friend.
Which silver  shilling? year?   Many of them worth  just  weight of silver, no more ( of course depends on condition as well) . so maybe your swap was equivalent at all and  no reason  to be sad and disappointed?
best
David

Verweis : Dato Mikeladzehi, friend.
Which silver  shilling? year?   Many of them worth  just  weight of silver, no more ( of course depends on condition as well) . so maybe our swap was equivalent at all and  no reason  to be sad and disappointed?
best
David

Even valued at purely its silver weight it should have been worth at least 20x the value of the 5p plus it was in at least the top end of VF grade if not higher, but the main point is that the swapper didn't send the agreed coin having sent a much lower value coin in its place.
 

maybe missunderstanding...  Do you mean 5 pence, or  5 pounds?


proof  5 pounds are expensive coins....


even  very  recent ones

Verweis : Dato Mikeladzemaybe missunderstanding...  Do you mean 5 pence, or  5 pounds?


proof  5 pounds are expensive coins....


even  very  recent ones

Hi. Sorry, yes 5p is 5 pence.

ahh, then ook..  bad swap...

Did you make it explicitly clear to your swap partner that you expected a proof coin? And were you convinced he understood what a proof is? Inexperienced collectors either don't know what a proof is, and check whichever input box on the coin page, or if they have heard of proof coins, they think that any shiny coin is a proof.

If everything was completely clear on both sides, your swap partner did not send what was agreed upon and you may ask him to resend the right piece or compensate. If there was a mere vague understanding, then I'm afraid you paid for a lesson

Verweis : ArnoVDid you make it explicitly clear to your swap partner that you expected a proof coin? And were you convinced he understood what a proof is? Inexperienced collectors either don't know what a proof is, and check whichever input box on the coin page, or if they have heard of proof coins, they think that any shiny coin is a proof.

If everything was completely clear on both sides, your swap partner did not send what was agreed upon and you may ask him to resend the right piece or compensate. If there was a mere vague understanding, then I'm afraid you paid for a lesson

I know what you are saying. The thing is the coin that I requested was the old large size 5p which was only issued in either Proof or Unc sets, if I had received either of those I would not have been complaining (even though I would still have preferred the proof). The problem with the swap was that it was neither, just a common, circulated (not even XF) small 5p which is of no more use to me than to add to my pocket change. I have asked for the correct piece, but this is where the language difference has come to play as online translators are not very accurate, plus since rating me on the swap he has been very slow with responding to messages and has not responded at all since I asked him to confirm if he would be sending the correct coin. I think that it will have to be just a case of lesson learned,   .

Members that are checking the wrong coin in their doubles list is, unfortunately, very common.
If their coin looks the same the one on the picture, it is ok to many.
As  an example I can tell the French franc from 1943 (thick planchet) which I have been looking for for years. Plenty of members are offering this coin and most of those don't have the thin planchet on their list, which is one of the most common French coins from before 1950.

Of course, thin and thick planchet can be more easily confused than a small and large size coin.

But what I'm trying to say is: always check the other doubles that are listed and you will most of the time understand if you can expect to get the special variety or not.

Ask for a picture of the coin(s) to be swapped on both sides so there is no confusion.  I bought a couple coins from a member & he sent me pictures of the coins so I knew what I was getting.  Both of us were happy.

Verweis : packrat1Ask for a picture of the coin(s) to be swapped on both sides so there is no confusion.  I bought a couple coins from a member & he sent me pictures of the coins so I knew what I was getting.  Both of us were happy.

Yes, you're right, that is the best way. I have done it in the past with some swaps too, but not this one.