1860 Aborigine Threepence, an iconic piece of Australiana

The 1860 Aborigine Threepence is held aloft in the industry. It is of the highest rarity with only eight known. And of the utmost cultural significance.

On the rare occasions that an example has appeared on the market, it's made a serious impact.

Take for example, the Aborigine Threepence of the late Sir Marcus Clark. It sold at auction in 1954 for £38.

But the might of the Aborigine Threepence becomes clear when you consider that in the very same auction, a Cracked Die sold for £20. A 1921 Square Halfpenny for £24. And one of the finest colonial Dumps sold for £18.

That's three of Australia's top coin rarities completely overrun by the Aborigine Threepence.

That Coinworks chose to include an example of the 1860 Aborigine Threepence in its 2007 ‘Dollars & Dumps’ Exhibition speaks volumes on the standing of the piece.

The Aborigine Threepence has a rarity and historical significance that puts it right up there with the nation’s greatest coin rarities.

It is Australia’s most famous token. The design is iconic.

The 1860 Aborigine Threepence was minted by jewellers Julius Hogarth and Conrad Erichsen. Scandinavian citizens, Hogarth was a sculptor and silversmith. Erichsen an engraver.

Both migrated to Australia to make their fortunes on the gold fields reaching Sydney on 11 December 1852.

Failing to realise their ambitions, they utilised their skills and went into partnership as silversmiths opening their first enterprise at 255 George Street Sydney.

The firm quickly gained a reputation in the development of ‘Australiana’ themed decoration on metalwork and jewellery, which actively promoted the use of indigenous Australian floral and faunal elements and indigenous figures.

Hogarth & Erichsen achieved great success during the 1850s notably through the vice-regal patronage of Governors Young and Denison.

The works of Hogarth and Erichsen are held by the following institutions, to name but a few:

• The National Library of Australia, Canberra
• The National Gallery of Australia, Canberra
• The National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne
• The Powerhouse Museum, Sydney