1813 Dump, a classic example of the nation's first coin offered at an attractive price
COIN
1813 Dump, a classic example of the nation's first coin offered at an attractive price
PRICE
$20,000
STATUS
Sold November 2020
QUALITY
About Very Fine
PROVENANCE
Private Collection Victoria
COMMENTS
Governor Lachan Macquarie enlisted the services of convicted forger William Henshall to carry out the role of Australia's first mint master. Henshall manufactured the nation's first coins in 1813, a Fifteen Pence and a Five Shillings. We know them today as the Dump and the Holey Dollar. For the buyer that is keen to grab a piece of Australian history and acquire an 1813 Dump, we offer six reasons why this coin is worth owning. At About Very Fine this Dump is, quality-wise, well above average. The design is well centred, the legend and crown clear and legible. Importantly, the edge denticles are complete. The oblique milling (a deterrent for clipping) is fully evident. Henshall's mark of his initials 'H' is present. And the sixth reason to own this coin? That has got to be the price, for this 1813 Dump is offered at the very attractive price of $20,000.
This 1813 Dump has six key attributes that make it worth owning.
Briefly summarised in our opening comments above, they are expanded upon below.
- The Dump circulated widely in the colony, the extreme wear on most Dumps evidence of its extensive use. The average quality Dump is graded at Fine to Good Fine, with this coin therefore in above-average condition.
- The coin is aesthetically pleasing. Struck with the A/1 dies, the crown is classically well-centred. Furthermore, the legend New South Wales and the date 1813 are clear, fully legible and framed by the edge denticles. The reverse Fifteen Pence also is clear and fully legible.
- The denticles around the edge of the coin are complete, a feature that is seldom seen in even the very best examples. A piece of art with out a picture frame is a blank canvas ... and the denticles act like a picture frame to the coin and give it substance.
- Notice the oblique milling around the edge. It is fully evident. (The edge milling was used as deterrent against clipping whereby the unscrupulous shaved off slivers of silver, reducing the silver content of the Dump. And making a small profit on the side.)
- The ‘H’ for Henshall also is present between the 'FIFTEEN' and the 'PENCE' on the reverse. William Henshall declared his involvement in the creation of the Dump by inserting an 'H' into some (but not all) of the dies used during its striking. Its presence is highly prized.
And the sixth reason to consider owning this coin? It is the value-plus price of $20,000.
CONTACT
PO Box 1060 Hawksburn Victoria Australia 3142
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