1956 Proof Penny Perth Mint

The proof coin sets struck between 1955 and 1963 are a perfect entry point into the Australian rare coin market. Limited edition collector coins at affordable prices.

It comes at the top of our list of recommendations for clients looking to tuck something special away for their children or grandchildren.

It is without doubt one of the most popular collecting series in the Australian coin market.

We like this series and for the following reasons:

• The sets are affordable.

• The sets can be acquired progressively one year at a time.

• Each proof set is a stand-alone rarity, so there is no pressure on buyers to complete the series.

A reminder that quality is paramount, for while all the coins in the series were struck to proof quality, their state of preservation today (how they have toned) is critical to preserving their value and underpinning their future capital growth. 

Australia opened its first mint, the Sydney Mint, in 1855. A second mint, the Melbourne Mint, came on board in 1872 and the third, the Perth Mint opened in 1899.

The Melbourne Mint and the Perth Mint commenced regular proof coining for collectors in 1955 after obtaining Government approval.

Government intervened in just one aspect of the program - only those coins being struck for circulation were to be issued as proofs.

As the Perth Mint was striking copper circulating coins for Treasury, it could strike only copper proof coins for collectors. (Penny and Halfpenny.)

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.

Launched in 1955, the programme ended in 1963 just prior to decimal currency changeover.

The series was a catalyst for the introduction of a proof coining program for collectors by the Royal Australian Mint, Canberra.