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Throughout history, extraordinary events have impacted on a nation’s currency. Triggering ad hoc measures to supplement a medium of exchange. Affecting mintages or inspiring new designs. The events create an environment that spawns numismatic superstars, coins that are overwhelmingly rare and supremely important. This 1937 Uniface Pattern Penny is one such numismatic superstar. The extraordinary event that triggered its star status was the cancellation of the coronation of Edward VIII. The Commonwealth Government planned to launch the flying kangaroo as Australia's new penny design in 1937 to coincide with Edward's coronation. The Royal Mint London prepared the master dies and struck prototypes of the design for the Government. Eight pennies were minted featuring the new kangaroo reverse designed by George Kruger Gray and the word 'MODEL' on the obverse. Edward VIII’s decision to abdicate the British throne AND the subsequent decision by the Australian Government NOT to issue circulating pennies in 1937 conferred a superstar status on the 1937 Uniface Penny. From the original mintage of eight coins struck at the Royal Mint London, six are now held by private collectors, with this coin noted as one of the finest.The technical shots below confirm the glorious state of this coin.

<p>A monarch’s death necessitates a currency change. But when a monarch dies, and a new portrait is unavailable, resourceful Governments introduce ad hoc measures to maintain coin production. It is an environment that can spawn a great coin rarity, a numismatic star. And this Holey Dollar is one such star. The original Spanish Silver Dollar was issued in 1789 during the reign of Charles IV yet features the portrait and legend of his father, Charles III, who died in 1788. Three hundred Holey Dollars survive today and of those, only two have this extraordinary design detail. The first is a well circulated example, the silver dollar issued at the Mexico Mint. And the second is this coin, the silver dollar enjoying minimal circulation, originating at the Lima Mint in Peru. This Holey Dollar is defined by superb quality, the rare Lima Mint and an extraordinary design detail. This is an historic offering of an important Holey Dollar, a coin that is unique and that plays a pivotal role in Australia's Holey Dollar story. A coin that has also been the highlight of two exhibitions, at the Macquarie Bank in 2013 and the Royal Australian Mint Canberra in 2019.</p>

This 1887 Proof Half Sovereign is the only known example of what is, a very important year in Australia's coining heritage. It is a 'Coin of Record' and was struck at the Melbourne Mint as a presentation piece to record a new design featuring Queen Victoria's Jubilee portrait. The coin's first public appearance was in 1903 when it sold at Sotheby, Wilkinson & Hodge, London as part of the famous John G. Murdoch Collection. Over the last century, no other examples have been sighted. The coin's extreme rarity is typical of this sector of the market and the very reason why they are so popular with collectors. And investors. Their scarcity simply gives people the reason - and the confidence - to buy.

One George V silver proof coin is a numismatic prize. A pair of George V silver proofs, such as the coins shown above, is numismatic bliss. The reason is simply that George V Silver Proofs are excruciatingly rare and are hotly contested whenever they appear on the market. Ask collectors why they pursue proof coins over circulating currency and the prestige of owning a proof coin is most likely at the top of their list. It's the euphoria that comes with owning something that very few other people can ever possess. An excitement that the owner of the Madrid Collection of Australian Rare Coins experienced when he acquired this perfectly matched Proof 1924 Florin and Proof 1924 Shilling. The 1924 Proof Florin was struck as a Coin of Record at the Melbourne Mint and only four others are known. The 1924 Proof Shilling, also a Coin of Record and two others are known. Given their extreme rarity, it is more than likely that this pair is unique.

There are some coins that can only be described as extraordinary. The state in which they are presented is so impactful, they make a lasting impression and are never forgotten. Nor can you forget the occasion when they were first sighted. And so it is with this Proof 1947 Penny. The quality is absolutely stunning, highly reflective violet-red fields, the coin simply glows. And the occasion .... Nobles Sydney Auction March 1996, the coin selling for $6600 on a pre-sale estimate of $3000. The photographs confirm its extraordinary condition. And we can confirm its rarity. We have only ever handled two other 1947 Proof Pennies, this coin the finest by far.

This 1930 Proof Sovereign was struck at the Melbourne Mint as a Presentation Piece and is exceedingly rare. Only one other example has surfaced over the last century. Its extreme rarity is typical of this area of the market (proof gold) and the very reason why the coins are so popular with collectors and investors. The scarcity of the coin itself, that there are only two known, simply gives people the confidence to buy. And the notion that another proof example, with the same portrait design and a different date, might pop up tomorrow is almost non-existent for the entire George V sector (1911 to 1931) is represented by about ten proof coins. (See below for more information on their extreme scarcity.) This 1930 Proof Sovereign is a coin for the ages. The date 1930, the year of the Great Depression, ensures that it will always be relevant. And will always be sought after on a world-wide scale. Its superb quality and extreme rarity also ensures its relevance and its appeal.

<p>Collectors and dealers seek out the unique. And collectors and dealers seek out the exquisite. For Barrie Winsor and for myself, and for all those that have come before us, we found what we were seeking in this 1870 Sydney Mint Proof Sovereign. The coin is a colonial gem. Perfection in gold, exquisite and unequivocally the finest of its kind. The finest and the rarest for this coin is the only known 1870 Sydney Mint Proof Sovereign. Extensive research by Barrie Winsor during a posting in London in the early 1970s confirmed a provenance that dated back to 1873, three years after the coin was struck at the Royal Mint London.</p>

This 1865 Sydney Mint Half Sovereign is an exceptional piece. Exceptional because the 1865 Sydney Mint Half Sovereign has the lowest mintage of the Type II Half Sovereign series (62,000). And from the very worst quality to the very best quality, the coin is scarce with one - perhaps two - sighted at auction annually. This coin also is exceptional for its quality of Choice Uncirculated. Over the last twenty years, we have identified only three other premium quality examples. Of those only one is comparable to this coin, the other two having obvious identification marks. This 1865 Sydney Mint Half Sovereign is a colonial gem. Highly lustrous, a cameo-perfect example with strong edges that frame the coin. The design is well-executed and the fields are super smooth. Quite amazing when you consider that the Half Sovereign was the lifeblood of the colony, manufactured for use in every-day commerce. Even more amazing that it survived the production process at the Sydney Mint where it would have hurtled down a chute and into a barrel. And this superb colonial gem is available now. The technical shots re-affirm its glorious state.

There was an explosion in real estate prices in Melbourne in 1889. And land speculation on a grand scale. Melbourne was booming. So too were the coining presses at the Melbourne Mint, records indicating that the mint churned out 2.7 million sovereigns. To create a permanent and everlasting record of its achievements, the Melbourne Mint struck the 1889 Proof Sovereign as a Coin of Record. True to form, only two examples have been sighted over the past sixty years, this coin last publicly offered in March 1988 at the now famous Bicentennial Spink Auction. Noted as being brilliant and flawless, the coin sold for $9000 on a pre-auction estimate of $6000. Only one other example has surfaced over the last century and that was in March 1985, a pattern of long-term holding so typical of this area of the market.

Australia’s 1926 Sydney Sovereign has a reputation that extends well beyond our local market. The coin has standing world-wide, for its historical significance as the Sydney Mint’s very last sovereign. And for its extreme rarity. The coin is iconic but is rarely ever offered, a fact borne out by our research. We looked at what’s been happening in our local market examining the records of Australia’s four major auction houses and established that only five examples have been offered between them over the last sixteen years. In the same time frame two examples have been offered overseas, including this coin which sold in 2016 at Heritage Auctions in the US. Described by Heritage as ‘an exceptional coin for its beauty and rarity’ and a ‘nearly flawless and fully blazing gem’. We can only but agree. The technical shots shown below re-affirm the glorious state of this sovereign.

Three mints were operating in Australia during the Veiled Head era of 1893 to 1901. The Sydney Mint, the Melbourne Mint and the Perth Mint. Irrespective of the mint, every gold proof coin out of this era is highly desirable. And rarely ever offered. If there is a prize amongst them, it is the coins struck at the Sydney Mint. Of the nine years defined as the Veiled Head era, 1893 to 1901, the Sydney Mint struck gold proof coins in only 1893. No proofs were struck at Sydney between 1894 and 1901. In every respect, these coins fulfill the minting ideals of the Royal Mint in the striking of Coins of Record. The Proof 1893 Sovereign and Proof 1893 Half Sovereign were struck as Coins of Record to document history, and in this case, the introduction of a new portrait on Australia’s gold coinage. And to preserve that history for future generations in its most beautiful form. The coins were struck with a plain edge, indicating they were destined for a museum. We know that only two pairs were minted and both are accounted for, this pair the only one available to collectors. And the other held in the Museum of Victoria, having come from the Sydney Mint Museum. This is the supreme prize for collectors. Two coins of the utmost historical significance, presented as a pair as they were originally struck, and the only examples available for collectors.

The 1930 Penny included in this collection is a star. It is simply a great 1930 Penny. The obverse is graded About Very Fine and the reverse a higher quality grading of Very Fine. The edges are complete and the important design details such as the upper and lower scrolls, the inner beading that circles the value of ‘ONE PENNY’, the legend and the date ‘1930’ are all prominent. And the toning is a consistent and a handsome chestnut brown. Under the eye glass, the coin continues to shine showing two, almost three, sides of the central diamond and six plump pearls. We note the oval to the left of the band is almost complete, the coin justifiably awarded its About Very Fine obverse grading. The reverse is graded higher again at Very Fine. And while the quality of this 1930 Penny should be enough to gain buyer attention, its inclusion in a complete collection of Australian pennies (1911 to 1964) makes this offer irresistible buying. Technical shots are provided below.

<p>This extremely rare 1811 Trinidad Holey Dollar was created from an 1808 Mexico Mint Silver Dollar that was pierced to create a plain cut, octagonal edged hole. So, while Governor Lachlan Macquarie was coining his Holey Dollars in Sydney in 1813, similar schemes had already been hatched across the other side of the globe, including the British Commonwealth Island of Trinidad. Irrespective of the issuing authority - New South Wales, Trinidad, Dominica or Canada's Prince Edward Island - the Holey Dollar is an internationally respected colonial coin that began its life as a Spanish Silver Dollar. Extremely rare and highly sought after.</p>

The One Pound was the nation’s first gold coin struck in 1852 at Adelaide's Government Assay Office, twelve months after gold was discovered in Victoria. Two distinct One Pound types are available to buyers, the Type I from the first production run or the Type II from the second run. The first production run of Adelaide Pounds utilised a reverse die that had a beaded inner-circle as part of its design. Its usage was brief. The die cracked. And was replaced with a new die that had a completely different design, a style that was maintained for the entire second run. Because it was brief, coins from the first production run are extremely rare. Second production run coins are scarce, but nowhere near the exclusivity of those from the first production run. This Type I Adelaide Pound is a prized piece with four key characteristics that make it ripe for investment. Supreme quality. Extreme rarity. The ultimate historical standing of being the nation's first gold coin produced in the very first production run. And a conservative price. The technical shots below confirm the glorious state of this coin.

The origins of striking proof coins for collectors of Australia’s circulating currency rests with this 1934 Proof Set. It is the very first commercially produced set of Australian proof coins and was issued at the Melbourne Mint. It is an integral part of one of the nation’s most historic collector series, the ‘Numismatic Influencers’ of 1916 to 1953. This particular 1934 Proof Set was acquired in 1996 and has been wonderfully preserved. The silvers are magnificent. The copper penny and halfpenny equally so. This is the fourth only complete and original set that we have sold in a career that spans fifty-plus years. And this is one of the very best that we have handled.

Some numismatic giants were created during the seventeen-year Young Head era of 1871 to 1887. Two sovereign reverse designs were used concurrently, the St George and the Dragon and the Shield. As no conventions were set as to the mintages other than an overall total, it was inevitable that one design would be favoured over the other. And that a low mintage super-star would emerge. And it has in the form of this coin, the Melbourne Mint’s 1883 Sovereign struck with the Shield reverse and the Young Head portrait. A personal notation of a 'Brilliant Coin' was detailed against this 1883 Sovereign when it appeared in the Quartermaster Auction Catalogue. The comment captured the essence of the coin. Offered as Lot 65, the 1883M was acknowledged as a 'rare date' and 'extremely rare' in the quality offered of Brilliant Uncirculated. In hindsight, it is what we have come to expect of a sovereign that was formerly owned by Robert Jaggard, Paul Terry and Tom Hadley, three of Australia's greatest gold coin collectors. You might sight a handful of circulated examples on the market annually. One as exceptional as this coin, perhaps once or twice in a decade. The technical shots (shown below) confirm the glorious state of this coin.

Throughout history, extraordinary events have impacted on a nation’s currency. Triggering ad hoc measures to supplement a medium of exchange. Affecting mintages or inspiring new designs. The events create an environment that spawns numismatic superstars. The Hannibal Head Holey Dollar is one such numismatic super-star. Called the ‘Hannibal Head' due to an act of political intrigue, the coin is legendary and only TWO Hannibal Head Holey Dollars are held by private collectors. And if you are wondering why this Holey Dollar is named but most others aren’t. Consider that the world's most famous diamond is named, the Hope Diamond. And Australia’s most famous nugget is called the Welcome Stranger. These icons are named so they can connect easily with the public, providing them with a lasting familiarity for generations to come. And so it is with Australia's leading Holey Dollars. They also are named. There is the Pillar Holey Dollar, a unique coin. The Madrid Holey Dollar, also for collectors unique. And the Hannibal Head Holey Dollar with two examples available to collectors. These four Holey Dollars resonate with collectors, their names ensuring a familiarity for generations to come. Highly prestigious, excruciatingly rare, we are truly honoured to be offering the celebrated Hannibal Head Holey Dollar.

The Museum of Victoria joined with Spink Australia in July 1988 to create a gala coin auction as part of Australia's Bicentenary celebrations. The museum auctioned off some of its duplicates, coins of national significance such as the 1920 Star Florin and 1920 Star Shilling. And pieces that had never been seen before nor available to collectors, occasions when the entire mintage was placed in archives with none passed to officials or members of the public. Coins such as the 1902 Sydney Mint Two Pounds, struck in the last day of operation of the Sydney Mint. The 1946 cupro--nickel florin shown below. And this coin, Australia’s rarest Penny, the 1945 Penny. Now let's be clear. And don't get excited if you happen to have a 1945 Penny in your bottom drawer! More than ten million pennies were struck in 1945 at the Perth Mint making it one of Australia's most readily available pennies, a dot after the 'Y' in 'PENNY' or a dot after the 'A' in AUSTRALIA identifying that it was struck at Perth. The Melbourne Mint, on the other hand, struck only FOUR pennies in 1945 - minus the dot. The four prized coins were retained by the mint for posterity. And this example is one of the four. In a market that values rarity - and quality - above all else, this coin takes the prize for it is the nation's rarest penny. A superb FDC, with full brilliance on both obverse and reverse, this magnificent piece of Australian numismatic history is available now.

When you look at the photo of this 1813 Dump, it almost leaps off the page! That's the sign of a Dump worth owning. Its strong physical presence is due to the fact that the coin has edge denticles all the way round (which many don't have). Adding to its appeal, the design is beautifully centred, the details crisp and clearly visible to the naked eye. We note the 'H’ for Henshall on the reverse, the mark left by the nation’s first mint master guaranteeing his fame. There is traces of the original Spanish Dollar design from which it was created (the castle) above the word FIFTEEN on the reverse. And there is intact edge milling, the minting authority's ploy to prevent clipping of slivers of silver from the edges. We also note that the eight reales used to create this Dump received a bit of harsh treatment before William got his hands on it. The surfaces marks are original and do not detract in any way from the overall aesthetics of this fabulous 1813 Colonial Dump.

This is an extraordinary 1930 Penny and we note that it’s been two years since we last offered one of this calibre. The coin is elegant. The coin has finesse and it is for the collector that has been sitting back waiting for the ‘right’ 1930 Penny to come along. It is an exciting 1930 Penny, for the exceptional quality traits it possesses. The reverse is graded Very Fine, the coin having crisp upper and lower scrolls and well-defined inner beading. Yes, the coin has circulated which is reflected in our obverse grading of About Very Fine. BUT the years of usage have treated it very, very kindly. It is an original, intact, well struck 1930 Penny with glossy fields and minimal signs of usage. If there is one thing that the past fifty years in the business has taught us is that you do not see 1930 Pennies like this every day. Or every month. Or every year for that matter!

As the only mint in operation in 1871, the Sydney Mint takes all the glory for issuing a new portrait design of Queen Victoria on Australia's sovereigns. Not just a new portrait, the Deputy Master of the mint was given a choice of two reverse designs, that of St George and the Dragon and the second option, that of the Shield. Both to run concurrently. It was inevitable that one design would be favoured over the other and that a low mintage super-star would emerge. And it has, in the form of this coin, the 1871 Sovereign featuring the St George and the Dragon reverse. This coin was one of the few Imperial sovereigns photographed in the Spink Auctions Catalogue in March 1981. Even though the photograph was in black and white, the elegance and refinement and smooth nature of the fields are obvious. Extremely rare across all quality levels and this example from the Spink Auctions March 1981 sale, one of the very finest with proof like satin-smooth fields. We note a provenance that includes three of the greatest gold coin collectors of our time ... Robert Jaggard, Paul Terry and Tom Hadley of Quartermaster fame. This is perhaps the greatest affirmation of its standing. (Technical shots are provided below and confirm the coin's glorious state.)

This Proof 1952 Penny is spectacular. Molten copper and a full brilliant mint red. Strong design details, pristine denticles, polished edges. This is the consummate proof coin. And it is extremely rare. The coin was especially struck at the Perth Mint as a collector's item in a minuscule mintage of fifteen, the majority of which were gifted to museums and overseas monetary institutions. Very few were retained by the Perth Mint ... the reason for its scarcity in today's marketplace. This stunning Perth Mint Proof 1952 Penny is a showpiece of quality. And is available now.

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.

The Perth Mint has struck many of Australia's greatest coin rarities, including this 1918 Half Sovereign. It is an important coin on many fronts. Australia struck its last half sovereign in 1918, making it a critical and highly historical date. The end of an era. And it is extremely rare. Respected numismatic author, Greg McDonald, contends that 200 to 300 pieces only are available to collectors. (Our last recorded sale of an Uncirculated 1918 Perth Half Sovereign was more than two years ago.) Important. Extremely rare. And available at $14,000. Excellent value. The technical shots confirm this coin's superb state.

This Proof 1916 Halfpenny is everything a proof coin should be. Of the utmost rarity, we believe it is unique. It certainly is the only Proof 1916 Halfpenny we have ever handled or sighted. And the quality is glorious. The fields are as smooth as glass. And highly reflective, emanating intense emerald, pink and blue colours. Strong striations on both obverse and reverse reflect solid die preparation resulting in a superb strike. In fact, we would go one step further and say that this Proof 1916 Halfpenny is visually, the most impactful proof halfpenny we have ever sold.