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This Proof 1948 Penny is compelling. Move the coin through the light and the colours are spectacular. The surfaces are superb glossy and smooth, the design details strong, the denticles pristine, the edges polished. This is the consummate proof coin. And it is extremely rare. This coin was especially struck as a collector's item at the Perth Mint in a minuscule mintage of sixteen. As was the custom at the time, the mint gifted the majority of the mintage to museums and overseas mints, retaining only a few for themselves. The very reason why it is scarce in today's collector market. We have sold only one other Proof 1948 Penny that we would describe as stunning, and that coin was acquired by us in 2007 and sold more recently in 2021. Look around and you can’t help but notice just how FEW truly fabulous Perth proofs are around. It is an ominous sign from a supply perspective.

<p>Collectors of proof gold sovereigns and half sovereigns appreciate the extraordinary beauty of the coins. Pieces such as this Proof 1857 Half Sovereign that look like molten gold and have a depth of detail in their design that only a 'proof' striking could deliver. Collectors of proof gold also appreciate just how scarce the coins actually are. This piece is one of three known and was acquired from Barrie Winsor in 2004 and is having its first public offering in nearly two decades. Collectors of proof gold will not be the only interested party in the sale of this coin. We expect enquiries to come from numismatic investors, the buyers that will consider the coin’s extreme rarity and the price at which it is being offered and see its future investment potential. We also expect interest from collectors of Sydney Mint coins, this Proof 1857 Half Sovereign representing the very first year of a new Sydney Mint design. Compelling quality, extraordinarily rare, highly important Sydney Mint, value-priced and available now.</p>

The old saying, 'success breeds success' is very true when it comes to the 1930 Penny. Every year, demand for the coin is getting stronger as more collectors seek to acquire the nation's iconic coin rarity. The increased demand means that supplies are slowly drying up. And prices are steadily increasing. It's a trend we don't see abating, particularly with the '1930 - 2030’ Centenary just seven years away. This 1930 Penny is impressive. The coin. has a nearly full central diamond and six plump pearls and it is these two aspects, the diamond and the pearls, that classifies this coin as one of the very best, in the top ten per cent. The important 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. Moreover, the toning is a consistent and a handsome chestnut brown, the fields glossy and highly reflective.

The Proof 1923 Halfpenny was struck as a presentation piece at the Melbourne Mint and is acknowledged as one of the ‘great coins of Australian numismatics'. Enhancing its greatness, the coin is the only example available to collectors. And that's a powerful combination. The ultimate standing and the ultimate rarity. 'Great' coins capture the 'big moments' in history. Or the 'big moments' in numismatics. They are the story tellers. And they are either, a proof or specimen striking of a coin that was struck for circulation. Or they are a pattern, a test piece of a coin that never went into circulation. The Proof 1930 Penny comes immediately to mind as one of the industry's great coins. So too, the 1937 Pattern Penny. The 1920 Kookaburra Halfpenny. And this coin, the Proof 1923 Halfpenny. To add to their greatness, they are excessively rare. The Proof 1930 Penny is one of three in private hands. The 1937 Pattern Penny one of seven privately held. The Kookaburra Halfpenny is one of three known. And this Proof 1923 Halfpenny is the ultimate in rarity, it is unique.

The 1930 Penny was struck during the Great Depression, and with unemployment raging, no one could afford to put the coin away as a keepsake. They were used. With the majority well used sustaining the inevitable knocks and gouges that comes with extensive circulation. This 1930 Penny defies the odds. It has circulated, but you would never know it by looking at the coin in the flesh. It’s a handsome coin with nice edges and even brown toning and that all important ‘1930’ date is prominent. The coin continues to shine under the eye glass for under magnification, there are no nasty knocks or unsightly horrible gouges. On the obverse, the coin is technically graded About Fine, with the top right-hand side of the central diamond just starting to peak through. The six pearls are evident, with the sixth just showing slight wear. The reverse is graded higher at About Very Fine. This is a grand opportunity to acquire an extremely attractive example of Australia's favourite coin rarity for $25,000.

This 1813 Holey Dollar has three overwhelming features that will place it front and centre for many collectors. The first feature is that despite its extensive circulation, the coin has retained all the essential elements that collectors want in an example of Australia’s very first coin … the design details and the counter stamps. It has great eye appeal, the fields are glossy and there are no knocks or gouges. Circulation has treated this Holey Dollar very kindly. The second feature, is the obvious one, it is priced below $100,000 bringing it into the reach of a wide collector audience. And the third feature? The coin is photographed and officially recorded as one of the almost 200 privately owned examples in ‘The Holey Dollars of New South Wales’ by Messrs. Mira and Noble, page 52.

This coin has been priced to engage the collector that wants an affordable Holey Dollar. It is one of only thirteen Holey Dollars to feature the portrait of the Spanish King Ferdinand VII. And that makes it an extremely rare and extremely important type. It is a well-used example of the nation’s first coin … but that's how most of them come. And it is what Governor Lachlan Macquarie intended when he imported 40,000 Spanish Silver Dollars into the penal colony of New South Wales and converted them into Holey Dollars. The colony was starved of a circulating medium and Macquarie wanted them used to stimulate the economy. The price of $35,000 reflects its usage and the extreme scarcity of Ferdinand VII Holey Dollars. We note the coin appears on page 67 of the Reference Book 'The Holey Dollars of New South Wales' authored by the late Bill Mira and Jim Noble. We also note that it was once held in the collection of one of the authors - Jim Noble - a foremost dealer and Holey Dollar authority. .

Consistent chestnut toning and highly reflective, smooth fields. Well defined inner beading, strong upper and lower scrolls and solid edges, these are the hallmarks of a great 1930 Penny. This 1930 Penny is defined by a superb reverse. And an equally superb obverse. Under the eye-glass the coin continues to shine for the central diamond is complete and solid. The oval to the left of the diamond is almost complete. There are six very plump pearls and the area of the design that includes the seventh and eighth pearl is flattened yet evident. Now, it is a fact that the most frequently sighted 1930 Penny is a well circulated Fine. This coin, at Very Fine-Plus, is at least four to five grades higher. A 1930 Penny at this quality level would be offered on the market, perhaps once annually. This frequency is minuscule when you consider the popularity of the 1930 Penny.

This Proof 1956 Penny is intensely beautiful. The strike is highly detailed, the coin brilliantly preserved showing full copper brilliance. A Perth Mint copper proof out of this era, and in such a heady quality, could only have come from one source. Melbourne Collector Kevin Tierney. Kevin is an expert on Australian proof coinage, a passionate and very knowledgeable collector. He acquired his proofs in America, in the 1980s, while he was residing overseas. Australian coins bought in the US? Now, while that may come as a surprise to many readers, it is a further endorsement on the quality of these coins. The Perth Mint had developed a large export market for its early commercial proofs, US collectors its prime target. And it is acknowledged that the quality of those coins sold into the US were far superior to those sold locally.

This Proof 1921 Star Shilling is unique. And this Proof 1921 Star Shilling is acknowledged as one of the ‘great' coins of Australian numismatics. And that's a powerful combination. The ultimate rarity and the ultimate standing. Great coins capture the 'big moments' in history. They are the story tellers. And they are either, a proof striking of a coin that was struck for circulation. Or they are a pattern, a test piece of a coin that never went into circulation. The Proof 1930 Penny comes immediately to mind as one of the industry's great coins. So too, the 1937 Pattern Penny. The 1920 Kookaburra Halfpenny. And this coin, the Proof 1921 Star Shilling. To add to their greatness, they are excessively rare. The Proof 1930 Penny is one of three in private hands. The 1937 Pattern Penny one of seven privately held. The Kookaburra Halfpenny is one of three known. And this Proof 1921 Star Shilling, is the ultimate in rarity, it is unique. To offer this coin is a privilege. To own this coin and claim it as your own, is an even greater privilege. The technical shots (see READ MORE section) confirm the glorious state of this coin.

Just one glance at these coins, and you know they are special. Under the eye glass they are even more special, the heavy striations indicating very careful preparation of the dies to facilitate a strong strike. This pair of Proof 1955 Penny and Proof 1955 Halfpenny are awesome and you simply don’t see quality like this around! We realised, as soon as we saw them, that they could only have come from one source. Melbourne Collector Kevin Tierney. Kevin is an expert on Australian proof coinage, a passionate and very knowledgeable collector. He acquired his proofs in America, in the 1980s, while he was residing overseas. Australian coins bought in the US? Now, while that may come as a surprise to many readers, it is a further endorsement on the quality of these coins. The Perth Mint had developed a large export market for its early commercial proofs, US collectors its prime target. And it is acknowledged that the quality of those coins sold into the US were far superior to those sold locally.

How exciting is it to pick up a major reference book and find your Holey Dollar illustrated and detailed. And then flick through the book and do the numbers and realise that your Holey Dollar is also one of the rarest. Those pleasures await the buyer of this Ferdinand VII Holey Dollar. This Holey Dollar was created from a Ferdinand VII Spanish Silver Dollar. Yes it is well circulated, but it also is extremely rare and that makes it a stand-out piece. One hundred and ninety-three Holey Dollars are held today by private collectors. But of those, just THIRTEEN were created from Ferdinand VII Mexico Mint Silver Dollars. Even rarer, take a look at the counter-stamps. They are in the optimum position, the fleur de lis and twig of leaves in the same vertical vista as the date 1809. As is the legend New South Wales and the date 1813 in alignment with the crown. To add to the pleasure of this purchase, the book, 'The Holey Dollars of New South Wales' by Messrs Mira and Noble will be provided.

We are not sure which excites us more. The coin. Or the asking price. This Proof 1924 Sixpence was struck as a Coin of Record at the Melbourne Mint during the tenure of Mr A M Le Souef as the mint’s Deputy Master. Extremely rare, it is offered at $10,500. Visually it is stunning. It's as though you are looking at a pool of molten silver. And the depth of detail in the design is amazing. This Proof 1924 Sixpence has broad appeal, catering to collectors and numismatic investors. And it is available now.

This Proof 1954 Coat of Arms Florin is historically significant. The very first proof coin to depict the portrait of Queen Elizabeth II. It is a noted piece and it is rare. The coin made its first auction appearance in Melbourne in 1999, the sale conducted by Spink London. Some of the proofs on offer, including this coin, had never been sighted before, Spink indicating that they were the property of a senior official of the Royal Mint London, said to be that of H G Stride OBE. Of further significance for collectors, we believe this coin is unique.

This Proof 1855 Sydney Mint Sovereign and Proof 1855 Sydney Mint Half Sovereign is the only pair available in Australia. Only one other pair is known, held overseas. The coins are an integral part of Australia's coining history. Treasures of the Sydney Mint, they were struck at the Royal Mint London prior to the opening of the Sydney Mint in 1855. Visually stunning with a provenance that can be traced back to 1903, the coins were held as part of the esteemed John G. Murdoch Collection. And these stunning ultra-rare 1855 Cameo Proofs are available now. Copies of the Catalogues attesting to their provenance will be provided.

The Spanish Silver Dollar was fabled as pirate plunder, the famous ‘piece of eight’ of the Spanish empire with a diameter of 39mm and weighing 27.70 grams of pure silver. The coin was used the world over for centuries. Used and abused for it was defaced by private individuals, banks and government authorities in the eighteenth and nineteenth century by being holed, cut into smaller pieces and counter stamped. This collection is comprised of four coins, all of which originated as a Spanish Silver Dollar. They are available individually or as a complete collection with a savings of $2000.

This Very Fine 1930 Penny is an elite coin. One of the very best it rests in the top ten per cent. It is a technically sound coin and visually very attractive. The ideal combination for the collector and the investor. To the naked eye, the coin has even chestnut toning and strong design detail, including the upper and lower scrolls and the all-important ‘1930’ date. But it’s under an eyeglass that this coin really shines and upholds its Very Fine status. The central diamond is complete and solid. And there are six very plump pearls. Now, it is a fact that the most frequently sighted 1930 Penny is a well circulated Fine. This coin, at Very Fine, is at least four grades higher. A 1930 Penny at this quality level would be offered on the market, perhaps once or twice every year. This is an impressive 1930 Penny made even more impressive with our bonus offer of a Choice Uncirculated 1930 Sovereign. The technical shots (in the READ MORE section) confirm its superior quality.

The name, Barrie Winsor, is legendary. And so is the collection he formed, the Quartermaster Collection. Winsor, had an eye for detail. He could spot a great coin 'a mile away'. And he had the experience and knowledge built up over fifty-plus years in the industry to make a relative assessment on each coin. Which coin was better. Which coin was, in his opinion, the best. And he used both his eye and his experience to assemble the Quartermaster Collection for Queensland collector, Tom Hadley. It took twenty years to complete the task! There is no greater endorsement of this 1864 Half Sovereign than it was acquired to become part of the Quartermaster Collection. The coin is highly lustrous, a cameo-perfect example with strong, unblemished edges that frame the coin. Given the limitations in size, 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 unscathed 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.

This Good Very Fine 1930 Penny is an elite coin. One of the very best it rests in the top five per cent. It is a technically sound coin and visually very attractive. The ideal combination for the collector and the investor. To the naked eye, the coin has solid edges, even chestnut toning and strong design detail, including the all important ‘1930’ date. But, it’s under an eye-glass that this coin really shines and upholds its Good Very Fine status. The central diamond is complete and solid. The oval to the left of the diamond also is complete and there are six very plump pearls with traces of the elusive seventh and eighth pearl. And the fields are smooth and show minimal signs of circulation. Now, it is a fact that the most frequently sighted 1930 Penny is a well circulated Fine. This coin, at Good Very Fine, is at least five grades higher. A 1930 Penny at this quality level would be offered on the market, perhaps once every few years. Already have a 1930 Penny? Then consider trading it back as part-payment on this stunning coin. The technical photos of both obverse and reverse are provided below and re-affirm its fabulous state.

This 1813 Holey Dollar was created from a Spanish Silver Dollar that had been minted in 1800 at the Lima Mint, Peru. The coin has a distinctive edge. Most Holey Dollars were created from silver dollars produced at the Mexico Mint. This coin, however, was created from a Spanish Silver Dollar that was struck at the LIMA MINT. And that makes it one of the rarest Holey Dollars. One hundred and ninety-three Holey Dollars are held by private collectors and of those twenty were created from Lima Mint Silver Dollars. And this coin is one of the twenty. The ‘edge’ that this coin possesses extends well beyond a ‘rare mint’. The original silver dollar, a supreme quality Good Very Fine, resisted the force applied by William Henshall in cutting out the hole. The result is a Holey Dollar that has retained a circular, even shape and that displays the design details to the max giving it fabulous eye appeal. The coin also comes with a celebrated former owner. Syd Hagley was famous for his ownership of the Proof 1930 Penny and, history contends, created and drove the Australian rare coin industry. While the Syd Hagley Proof 1930 Penny may be an impossible dream for many collectors, the Hagley Holey Dollar is available now.

Name the top five all-time favourite Australian rare coins. Without doubt the 1930 Penny would be at the top of the list. But, the Proof 1927 Canberra Florin would, in all likelihood, be at position number two. For many collectors, it's not a matter of 'if' I will buy a Proof Canberra Florin, it's 'when' I will buy one. The coin is historically important and was struck to commemorate the opening of Parliament House in Canberra. And it is rare with numismatic authority Greg McDonald contending that the mintage could be as low as 150, an explanation as to why so few are appearing on the market. And this Proof 1927 Canberra Florin is superb, its glorious state prompted aggressive bidding when it first appeared at auction in 2005, setting a new price record. And price records only happen when the coin warrants it! A superb FDC with a highly detailed design set against a backdrop of smooth, brilliant fields enhanced by rich golden toning. And this record-breaking 1927 Proof Canberra Florin is available now.

The old saying, 'success breeds success' is very true when it comes to the 1930 Penny. Every year, demand for the coin is getting stronger as more collectors seek to acquire the nation's iconic coin rarity. The increased demand means that supplies are slowly drying up. And prices are steadily increasing. It's a trend we don't see abating, particularly with the '1930 - 2030’ Centenary just eight years away. This 1930 Penny was held by a Coinworks client and is very impressive. It is a classy coin. The edges are solid 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. Flip the coin, over and the monarch's crown shows two sides of the central diamond and six plump pearls. Moreover, the toning is a consistent and a handsome chestnut brown, the fields glossy and highly reflective. The technical shots re-affirm the grading and the aesthetics of this quality 1930 Penny.

This 1823 Tasmania Shilling is Australia’s first private coin issue. It is extremely rare with perhaps thirty pieces known, this being one of the finest. The issue was financed by British entrepreneurs, Hugh McIntosh and Peter Degraves, the design featuring a kangaroo and the name 'Tasmania', both of which are noteworthy. It was the earliest depiction of a kangaroo on an item of decorative art available for private ownership. And the first item of decorative art to feature the name Tasmania, rather than Van Diemen's Land. According to Australian author Greg Jeffreys these two gentlemen ultimately changed the course of Australia's history for by 1834 they had built two mills, founded the Cascade Brewery that today is Australia's oldest continually operating brewery. Spearheaded the establishment of Australia's oldest theatre, the Theatre Royal in central Hobart. And facilitated the writing of Australia's first novel by convicted forger and author, Henry Savery. This Macintosh & Degraves Shilling brings history to life with a direct link to two men who were "movers and shakers" in Tasmania’s colonial economy.

The shield design appeared on Australia's Sovereigns between 1871 and 1887 inclusive and featured Queen Victoria's Young Head portrait on the obverse. The series boasts three extremely rare dates, all struck at the Melbourne Mint - '1880', '1886' and '1887'. Of those, the year '1886' is the jewel of the series, a world-class rarity and definitely the one to own. Our offer of this coin is made even more remarkable because the highest quality ranking available to collectors of the Melbourne Mint's 1886 Shield Sovereign is Uncirculated. The strike is virtually faultless even to the kiss-curl in front of the ear. Simply miraculous!! Also verging on the miraculous, the coin's state of preservation. This sovereign must have been plucked off the production line soon after it was minted and has been well looked after in the interim. The fields are proof-like. The technical shots shown below confirm the fabulous strike.

We are not sure which excites us more. The coin. Or the asking price. This Proof 1925 Shilling is stunningly brilliant. It is the only known example held by a private collector. And is visually stunning. It's as though you are looking at a pool of molten silver, the obverse in particular is simply spectacular. Under the eye glass we note heavy striations on both obverse and reverse indicating that the dies have been well brushed to ensure precise design definition.