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1852 Adelaide Assay Office Gold One Pound struck with the second reverse die (Type II)


71369-1852-Adelaide-Pound-VF-OBV-July-2023
71369-1852-Adelaide-Pound-VF-REV-July-2023
1852 Adelaide Assay Office Gold One Pound struck with the second reverse die (Type II)
COIN
1852 Adelaide Assay Office Gold One Pound struck with the second reverse die (Type II)
PRICE
$18,000
STATUS
Sold 1/8/2023
QUALITY
Good Very Fine
PROVENANCE
Private Collection Sydney
COMMENTS
The ‘miracle of numismatics’. We often use this term when the state in which a coin is found defies the odds. It is more often than not applied to examples found in uncirculated condition but it is equally appropriate for this well circulated 1852 Adelaide Pound. What is remarkable about this Adelaide Pound is that, despite its obvious usage, it has not sustained any damage. There are none of the gouges and knocks you would normally see in a well circulated gold coin. It's also pretty obvious from its state that the coin was originally well struck for the legend is strong and legible, particularly in the ASSAY OFFICE area which is notoriously weak in those Pounds struck using the second die. This is a much-loved example of the nation’s first gold coin available at a very affordable price. Check out the technical shots ... it's a great coin.
71369-1852-Adelaide-Pound-VF-REV-July-2023
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71369-1852-Adelaide-Pound-VF-TECH-OBV-July-2023

An 1852 Adelaide Pound that has defied the odds. good design details and none of the knocks and gouges you might expect from a coin that has circulated.

71369-1852-Adelaide-Pound-VF-TECH-REV-July-2023

An attractive and very affordable example of the nation's first gold coin, the 1852 Adelaide Pound. struck using the second die.

 


The 1852 Adelaide Pound holds a very special place in Australia's history as the nation's first gold coin.

The coin is a classic Australian numismatic rarity, as is the 1813 Holey Dollar and 1813 Dump.

Its status as Australia’s first gold coin ensures that it will always be sought after and strengthens its investment value. Its investment value is also enhanced by its rarity for we estimate that perhaps 250 examples are available to collectors, across all quality levels, from the worst to the very best.

While there may be a natural assumption that special care and attention would have been applied during the minting process of the Adelaide Pound. This was certainly NOT the case.

The Adelaide Assay Office was opened one hundred and sixty-nine years ago as a refinery to strike gold ingots.

Except for ensuring the accuracy of the weight and purity of gold in the Adelaide Pound, there was minimal care regarding the overall striking and its eye appeal.

The coins were hammered out and hurled down an assembly line, more than likely into a barrel or bucket.

The Adelaide Pounds were to be used as currency, traded in commerce. Not preserved as collectables. And, as gold is a relatively soft metal, the rigours of circulation have treated most Adelaide Pounds harshly.

We also know from historical records, the striking of the Adelaide Pound was fraught with problems. During the first run of coins, the reverse die cracked.

A second die was used, with a different design, and to minimise the risk of further cracking, the pressure was reduced.

While the reduced pressure extended the life of the dies, it created its own set of problems in the execution of the design detail.

The very reason why we always consider the strength of the strike as well as the grading level and aesthetics of the 1852 Adelaide Pound when making our assessment. As we have done with this coin.

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