1813 Holey Dollar created from a 1798 Spanish Silver Dollar

The characteristics that define this Holey Dollar are as simple as it gets. QUALITY. QUALITY. QUALITY.

The quality is simply phenomenal. The fields of the non-date side in particular are absolutely extraordinary and the finest we have ever seen.

The original silver dollar from which this Holey Dollar was created is about Uncirculated. There is original silver lustre in the fields.

The details around the inner circular edge (the counter stamps) are also about Uncirculated. There is original silver lustre in the counter stamps.

The conundrum of this Holey Dollar is how it came to be presented in such a miraculous state.

Why wasn't it ever used when it was an intact 1798 Spanish Silver Dollar?

In the 18th century, Spain ruled the world. And the Spanish Silver Dollar was accepted and used the world over.

So how did a 1798 silver dollar retain its pristine state during the fifteen years before it arrived in the penal colony of New South Wales and came into William Henshall's hands?

It is a statement of fact that most Holey Dollars are today found well worn. No quality parameters were set on Macquarie’s shipment of 40,000 silver dollars.

This Holey Dollar is the absolute exception.

The extent of usage of this Holey Dollar after it was released into circulation is evidenced by the wear to the counter-stamps, the over-stamping around the inner circular edge … New South Wales, 1813 and Five Shillings.

The counter-stamps of this Holey Dollar are also graded in the premium quality of about Uncirculated and retain their original silver lustre.

Created in 1813 by mint-master William Henshall, circulated in the colony for 16 years when it was eventually demonetised with minimal usage in between.

This Holey Dollar is simply extraordinary.

The Holey Dollar is one of Australia’s most desirable coins. The coin is rare. And the coin is steeped in history.

Talk to those fortunate enough to own one, either private collectors or institutions such as Macquarie Bank, National Museum of Australia and the Mitchell Library, and they will tell you that the Holey Dollar is viewed as the jewel in their collection.

The status of the Holey Dollar as Australia’s first coin ensures that it will never be forgotten and, as time passes, its historical value can only increase.

The Holey Dollar is a coin that is held in the utmost respect. It is history. And yet it is refreshingly current. The ingenuity of Governor Lachlan Macquarie in creating our first coin is reflected in the naming of the Macquarie Bank and the bank’s ultimate adoption of the Holey Dollar as its logo.

Notice the detail in the hair and the robes. Also note the strength of the edges and the date 1798. This Holey Dollar is nicely toned and has original silver lustre.

The counter stamps are a supreme quality about Uncirculated on both obverse and reverse and also have original silver lustre.

Remarkable quality. Remarkable provenance.

That great collectors only ever own great coins is evidenced in the list of former owners of this Holey Dollar.

The provenance reads like a who's who of acclaimed numismatists … W. B. Thorpe, S. A. H. Whetmore, Ray Jewell, Philip Spalding.

A detailed provenance is shown below.

• Glendinings London March 1918, in the sale of the W. B. Thorpe Collection
• Glendinings London April 1961, in the sale of S. A. H. Whetmore Collection
• Foley Collection (USA)
• Ray Jewell (Australia) by private treaty
• Philip Spalding (Australia) by private treaty

Renowned British collectors. Revered US collectors.

And then eventually back to where it all began in Australia.

That the coin has attracted sustained buyer interest right across the globe for more than a century, in London and New York, reflects the international appeal of the Holey Dollar.

And the resounding appeal of this particular coin.

There is an immeasurable pride in owning an example of Australia’s first coin, the Holey Dollar.

And if you can open not one, but TWO, of the most respected books on Holey Dollars and see your coin detailed and illustrated, then the feelings go even deeper.

It is an affirmation of the proud history that accompanies your coin. And so it is with this Holey Dollar.

It is illustrated in Philip Spalding's esteemed book, “The World of the Holey Dollar”. And the internationally respected “Holey Dollars of New South Wales” by Messrs. Mira & Noble.

And it is true that only a handful of collectors can ever lay claim to having their Holey Dollars in both books.