1930 Proof Sovereign struck as a Presentation Piece at the Melbourne Mint and one of two known.

The proofs of George V are one of the rarest of Australia's proof gold sector.

While circulating sovereign production was prolific during the George V period (1911 to 1931), it is on record that the mints were absolutely miserly in the production of proof coinage.

Proof coins were struck in only six of those twenty-one years, 1911, 1914, 1920, 1929, 1930 and 1931. The known examples of each year is either one or two with that dated 1914 never having been sighted. Do the math. Collectors looking for a George V proof sovereign have a total buying pool of about ten coins. We might see one example every five years.

• 1911 - known by one example struck at the Melbourne Mint, last appearing at auction in 1985. Sydney and Perth did not strike proofs in 1911.

• 1914 - said to have been struck at the Sydney Mint but has never been sighted. Melbourne and Perth did not strike proofs in 1914.

• 1920 - known by one example struck at the Sydney Mint, valued today in excess of one million dollars. Melbourne and Perth did not strike proofs in 1920.

• 1929 - known by two examples struck at the Melbourne Mint. One example last seen on the market in 1998, another coin known to exist. The Perth Mint did not strike proofs in 1929. Sydney Mint was closed.

• 1930 - known by two examples struck at the Melbourne Mint, this  coin. And another slightly impaired example that appeared at auction in 1988. The Perth Mint did not strike proofs in 1930.

• 1931 - the Melbourne Mint and the Perth Mint produced proof coins in 1931. Two of each are known.

Exquisite 1930 Proof Sovereign, the reverse designed by Benedetto Pistrucci.

Exquisite 1930 Proof Sovereign featuring the portrait of King George V.

The 1930 Proof Sovereign, a key-date and stunningly beautiful.

The obverse portrait also designed by Sir E B MacKennall.

There is a 'wish-list' of key indicators that collectors look for in a top coin • Rarity • An important date • Widespread appeal • Supreme quality. And this 1930 Proof Sovereign has the lot!

An important date. It is an acknowledged fact that collectors pursue key dates, those years that stand out from the rest. And the year '1930' is important .

The rare coin market operates under the principles of supply and demand - limited supply overwhelmed by strong demand. So, maintaining (and strengthening) continuity of demand underpins the market and its price potential.

An important date is a natural draw card that drives demand. It is clear that the main force that drives demand for the 1930 Penny is the date.

Extreme rarity. Known by two examples struck at the Melbourne Mint, this piece and another slightly impaired example that appeared at auction in 1988. The Sydney Mint had closed. The Perth Mint did not strike proofs in 1930.

Widespread appeal. Proof coins are prestigious. They inspire respect and admiration. Ask collectors why they pursue proof coins over circulating currency and the prestige of owning a proof coin is most likely at the top of their list. It's the euphoria that comes with owning something that very few other people can ever possess.

Proof coins are by definition, extremely rare and their scarcity is a natural draw card. In some respect, proof coin collectors are playing it smart because the inherent rarity of proof coinage provides a level of assurance that the market will never be inundated with examples, protecting their investment.

The rarity of Australia's proof sovereigns and half sovereigns is acknowledged worldwide and has instigated a strong reaction from buyers at several recent overseas auctions. The Sincona Auction held in 2021 in Zurich, Heritage Auctions in the US in 2022 and again at Sincona in 2023.

Supreme quality. This coin is exquisite as the photographs attest.