1852 Adelaide Pound Type II

The obverse of the Adelaide Pound Type II showing strength in the legend.

The 1852 Adelaide Pound holds a very special place in Australia's history as the nation's first gold coin. It is a classic Australian numismatic rarity and is in demand from collectors at all quality levels and all dollar levels.

Its status as Australia’s first gold coin ensures that it will always be sought after and strengthens its investment value. Its investment value is also enhanced by its rarity for we estimate that perhaps 250 examples are available to collectors, across all quality levels.

We advise buyers to follow a prime rule when selecting an Adelaide Pound.

Pick a coin that is visually very attractive. Avoid the Adelaide Pound that has extensive blemishes from circulation. And don’t accept one that is missing most of its edges or has a very weak legend in the Government Assay Office area.

How an Adelaide Pound looks to the naked eye is an important part of the selection process. This simple point will count when, further down the track, it comes time for you to liquidate your coin and realise on your investment.

It must be remembered that the Adelaide Assay Office was opened 168 years ago as a refinery to strike gold ingots. Except for ensuring the accuracy of the weight and purity of gold in the coin, there was minimal care regarding the overall striking and the eye appeal of the coin. The coins were hammered out and hurled down an assembly line, more than likely into a barrel or bucket.

The coins were to be used as currency, traded in commerce. Not preserved as collectables. Also, gold is a relatively soft metal and the rigours of circulation have treated many Adelaide Pounds harshly.

The reverse of the Adelaide Pound Type II. 

We also know from historical records that the striking of the Adelaide Pound was fraught with problems.

During the first run of coins, the die cracked. A second die was used, and to minimise the risk of further cracking, the pressure was reduced.

While the reduced pressure extended the life of the dies, it created its own set of problems in the execution of the design detail. The very reason why we always consider the strength of the strike as well as the grading level.

It is a fact that many Type II Adelaide Pounds show weakness in the edges and the legend 'Assay Office'. With some coins this area is almost non-existent. In other Adelaide Pounds we see weakness in the crown area. A flattened cross on the orb and no ermine in the band.

The very reason why when it comes to assessing an Adelaide Pound, we always start at the edges and work our way in. We confirm the strength of the edge denticles and the legend Government Assay Office. We then move inwards to the crown. And lastly, we examine the fields.

Taking up this rule and applying it to this coin we can confirm:

• The edges are complete.
• There is strength in the legend in the ASSAY OFFICE area and this is rarely seen.
• There is wear to the high points and in the fields as you would expect from a coin that has circulated. What we can say is that this coin has survived its time in circulation with minimal affect.