Quality-wise, this Colonial Dump at Very Fine is at least three grades higher than your average quality example. The Dump with a value of fifteen pence circulated widely in the colony. Most Dumps are found today with minimal design attributes, gouges and knocks and many are noted as having being submerged in water, developing porous surfaces.
Not so with this coin. It is a beauty.
- The legend New South Wales and the date 1813 are strong and well defined.
- The reverse lettering, Fifteen Pence, also is strong and well defined.
- This particular Dump clearly shows that is was formed from the centre of a Spanish Silver Dollar. The cross bars in the shield, the castle and the tail of the lion are evident on the left and right hand side of the date 1813. Dumps that show their origins are highly prized.
- The fleur de lis on the left hand side and the right hand side of the crown have definition and have not melded into the coin. So too the pearls to the left and right of the Crown.
- William Henshall etched his name into numismatic history forever when he incorporated an ‘H’ for Henshall into the reverse die used to mint the Dump. It is not always present. And with many examples it is well worn and flattened. The ‘H’ on this coin is clear and distinct.
- Notice the oblique milling around the edge. It also is well defined and fully evident.