Perth Mint Exhibition
The jewel at the heart of the Perth Mint
The unique 1899 Perth Mint Half Sovereign23 June – 13 August 2025
The Perth Mint, an icon of Western Australia, is extending its welcome to the public with a display of its very first half sovereign, the 1899 Half Sovereign.
Produced as a presentation piece in the year of its opening, the 1899 Half Sovereign survives today in a brilliant untouched state.
The coin is unique, the only known half sovereign struck from the dies dated 1899 and is valued at $600,000. No other examples are held by private collectors or institutions worldwide, including the Perth Mint.
Described as 'the jewel at the heart of the Perth Mint', the unique 1899 Perth Mint Half Sovereign is on display, commencing 23 June.
The unique 1899 Perth Mint Half Sovereign
Collectors are driven by a desire to find rare items, particularly those that are unique, whether for personal appreciation, historical significance, or investment. And collectors often seek the 'first' of an item. Collectors are also attracted to high-quality pieces that offer a unique experience and pride of ownership.
This 1899 Half Sovereign is the ultimate collector's item.
Crafted as a presentation piece at the Perth Mint in its opening year, the coin is unique. As to its unique status, no other examples are held by private collectors or institutions worldwide, including the Perth Mint. And, as it so happens, no half sovereigns were struck as circulating currency by the Perth Mint in 1899.
As a presentation piece, the coin was individually crafted to the highest minting standards far exceeding that required for ordinary currency and survives today in a glorious mint state.
Bequeathed to the current owner, the unique 1899 Perth Mint Half Sovereign will be offered for sale by private treaty and presents an opportunity of a lifetime.
Exhibition Themes
MARKET REPORT
The Perth Mint's gold coins came to the attention of international collector markets as early as 1903, at a London Sotheby’s Auction. Demand has continued ever since. The coins are admired and respected worldwide. As with fine art and fine jewellery, they have prestige value. Stunningly beautiful and amazingly scarce, the Perth Mint's Gold Coins of Record add glamour and exceptionality to any collection.
VIDEO
Renowned Adelaide artist, Sarah Braybrook, is undertaking a series of fine art pencil drawings offering a 'legacy in pencil' of Australia's most important rare coins. The 1899 Perth Mint Half Sovereign was a natural contender. It is the fifth in a series of art works that includes the Crowned Head 1920 Kookaburra Penny, the Hannibal Head 1813 Holey Dollar, the Nobleman 1852 Adelaide Pound and the Proof 1930 Penny.
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