Collection of Melbourne and Perth Mint Proof Coins (1955 – 1963)

Quality is paramount in this sector of the market.

And that might be confusing for collectors who assume that because the coins have been struck as 'proofs' they will always be great.

While all the coins might have started out their life looking fantastic, it is how they have been handled and cared for since they were struck that is critical to preserving their value.

And underpinning their future capital growth. 

This collection of proof coins is the property of a client of long standing.

And they are superb for quality, the Perth proofs a solid blazing orange in colour. And both Melbourne Proof Sets, the 1955 and 1956, are two of the finest we have ever handled.

This is quality that is rarely ever sighted.

A list of the sets available is shown at right. 

• 1955 Melbourne Proof Set. $4950. The first in the series. The copper penny is simply stunning. And that’s not to overlook the silver proofs, for the shilling, sixpence and threepence are equally so.
• 1956 Melbourne Proof Set. $4950. The second set in the series. The quality of the penny is the key to this set and again is stunning. The four silver proofs are equally as impressive. NOW SOLD.
• 1957 Perth Proof Penny. $3500. Solid blazing orange. NOW SOLD.
• 1958 Perth Proof Penny. $3500. Solid blazing orange. NOW SOLD.
• 1959 Perth Proof Penny. $3500. Solid blazing orange. NOW SOLD.
• 1960 Perth Mint Proof Penny & Halfpenny. $4950. A supreme quality matched pair.   
• 1961 Perth Mint Proof Penny & Halfpenny. $4950. A supreme quality matched pair.   
• 1962 Perth Mint Proof Penny & Halfpenny. $4950. A supreme quality matched pair.   
• 1963 Perth Mint Proof Penny & Halfpenny. $4950. A supreme quality matched pair.   

Government approval was given in 1955 for the Melbourne Mint and the Perth Mint to commence regular proof coining for collectors. Government intervened in just one aspect of the program - only those coins being struck for circulation were to be issued as proofs.

The Melbourne Mint was therefore authorised to strike both silver and copper proof coins for collectors. (Florin, shilling, sixpence, threepence, penny and halfpenny.) As the Perth Mint was the Government’s copper coin producer, it could only strike proof pennies and halfpennies.

The coins were released annually with an official issue price of face value plus a premium of one shilling per coin … mintages averaged around 1,500.

Each piece was minted to exacting standards – from the selection and polishing of blanks, the preparation of dies and ultimately the actual striking. The result is a coin that is pleasing to the eye, well struck with strong designs and superb smooth background fields.