1887 Young Head Shield Sovereign Melbourne Mint, the last year of the Queen Victoria Young Head Sovereign Series and a world class rarity.

This 1887 Sovereign features the Young Head portrait of Queen Victoria. Presented in Uncirculated quality with proof-like surfaces. Under the glass, there is a hint of the kiss-curl in front of the ear.

The first thing to note about this coin is the superb edges. Then take in the intricate design set against a background of proof-like fields.

There are some key indicators that collectors look out for when making a numismatic purchase. And all of this is weighed up against the price. The date is critical. The more important the date, the better. How rare is the coin for the rarer the better. And finally, what about its quality? This Uncirculated 1887 Sovereign has the lot!

An important date.

The Shield reverse design superseded the Sydney Mint design on Australia's sovereigns in 1871. And continued for a further sixteen years until 1887. Queen Victoria’s Young Head portrait featured on the obverse.

The importance of this coin is clear. It marks the end of the era that produced Australia's Young Head Shield Sovereigns.

It is an acknowledged fact that collectors prefer the first and last year of a series over and above all others. The first year and the last year are defining. Those in between are not.

How rare is the coin?

Throughout Australia’s history, upheavals and extraordinary events have impacted on mintages and created numismatic super-stars. Think 1930 Penny. Think 1920 Florin. And think 1887 Shield Sovereign.

The Melbourne Mint was awash with options in the striking of its sovereigns in 1887 with two reverse designs available to them, that of St George and the Dragon and the Shield. And two obverse designs depicting Queen Victoria, the Young Head portrait and the Jubilee portrait, introduced in mid-1887.

It was inevitable that amidst the chaos a numismatic super-star would emerge.

And it has in the form of this coin, the 1887 Sovereign featuring the Young Head portrait of Queen Victoria and the Shield reverse. it is one of the key dates of the series and a world class rarity.

History confirms the extreme rarity of the Melbourne Mint's 1887 Young Head Shield Sovereign (1887M).

Noble Numismatics is Australia’s largest Auction House holding three auctions annually each comprised of about 3000 lots.

Their auctions provide a plethora of invaluable information on prices realised and importantly, the frequency of sightings ... how often a coin can realistically be expected to appear on the market.

We note that:

• Only three Uncirculated 1887M Young Head Shield Sovereigns have been offered at Nobles over the last ten years!
• The most recent sale was in 2019 for $21,500. The pre-auction estimate was $12,500. And the coin on offer here is far superior.
• Confirming the rarity of the 1887M across all quality levels, on average just one 1887 Melbourne Mint Young Head Shield Sovereign is offered at Nobles annually.