1918 Perth Mint Half Sovereign
Reverse of the 1918 Half Sovereign with the ‘P’ above the date.
Australia began striking half sovereigns in 1855 at the Sydney Mint. The nation’s last half sovereign is dated 1918 and was struck at the Perth Mint.
During the period 1855 to 1918, three monarchs appeared on our coinage, Queen Victoria (1855 – 1901), Edward VII (1902 – 1910) and, as shown on this coin, George V (1911 – 1918).
The 1918 Perth Mint Half Sovereign is an absolute enigma. (Akin to the 1930 Penny in that mystery surrounds its striking.)
Perth Mint records indicate that no half sovereigns were struck in 1918.
The appearance of a 1918 Half Sovereign in the then industry magazine, 'The Australian Coin Review' in April 1967 set the records straight and proved otherwise.
Obverse of the 1918 Half Sovereign depicting the portrait of George V.
Extensive research has been undertaken on die usage at the Perth Mint in 1918 and in the ensuing years.
It is now believed that a mintage was struck in 1919 and again in 1920, using the dies dated '1918'.
All of which was exported overseas with the majority assumed melted down.
The 1918 Perth Mint Half Sovereign is the rare date in the George V Half Sovereign series. And this example is presented in the supreme quality of Choice Uncirculated.
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