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The Spanish Silver Dollar was the coin that ruled the world. Fabled as pirate plunder, it was the famous ‘piece of eight’ of the Spanish empire and it was the coin that was used – and abused – by nations across the globe. In 1813, Governor Lachlan Macquarie holed and counter stamped the Spanish Silver Dollar to create Australia’s first coins, the Holey Dollar and Dump. And while Macquarie is lauded for his stroke of genius, the reality was the practice of cutting a hole in silver dollars and adapting them as local currency, had been done before, as early as 1760, by the British Colony of Dominica in the Caribbean. This extremely rare 1798 Dominica Holey Dollar was created from a 1797 Mexico Mint Silver Dollar that was pierced with a hole etched by 15 notches. The Dump, also issued in 1798, was the centre plug that fell out of the hole during the striking of the Holey Dollar and features 15 notches, a well-defined script ’D’ and a small star within the ‘D’. Both the Holey Dollar and the Dump show minimal circulation and are extremely well preserved. Moreover the pair is affordable.

Every coin has a story to tell. Whose hands it has passed through. Where it has been. What commodities did it buy. This 1813 Dump could fill a book! It is a much used – and much loved – example of the nation’s first coin, the 1813 Dump. What is remarkable about this Dump is that, despite its obvious usage, it has not sustained any damage. Circulation has treated it very kindly. The fields are smooth and reflective, the coin has toned to a very handsome light-grey. It is just a really, really pleasant example of the nation’s very first coin and perhaps a great one to put away for children or grandchildren.

This 1852 Adelaide Pound has attracted the highest quality ranking of Gem Uncirculated and is the only example of the nation’s first coin to be so awarded. It is acknowledged industry-wide as the absolute finest. The strike is virtually faultless. Miraculous. At the same time the strike is confounding, that such precision could be achieved given the production problems that were occurring in Adelaide's Government Assay Office. Also verging on the miraculous, the coin's state of preservation. It must have been plucked off the production line as soon as it was minted and has been given extra-special care ever since.

One of the most gratifying aspects of owning a top-quality 1930 Penny is that its design attributes are clearly visible to the naked eye. You do not have to rely on an eye glass to take in its positives. And that's the case with this 1930 Penny. The coin has a complete central diamond and six pearls, strong upper and lower scrolls and well defined inner beading. The surfaces are smooth and highly reflective on both obverse and reverse. That classifies this coin as one of the best, putting it in the top ten per cent. This coin will appeal to the buyer that has always wanted a 1930 Penny and has been looking for a top-grade example. It will also appeal to the investor for high quality 1930 Pennies, such as this coin, are extremely rare. We estimate that we would handle one, or at the very tops two, Very Fine 1930 Pennies annually. Technical shots are provided.

Perfect edges and minimal marks in the fields. That's enough to make a 1930 Penny buyer pounce! This 1930 Penny has been part of the Coinworks stable of rarities for as long as we can recall. Formerly owned by a member of famous 60's Australian rock band, ‘The Groop’, we remember this coin as much for its ties to its legendary owner as to its fabulous quality. It’s one of the nicest 1930 Pennies we have sold. Acquire this 1930 Penny and you will be eager to show it to your family and friends. Even better, it’s such an impressive coin, you know you will get positive feedback. (And perhaps even a touch of envy.) You certainly won’t have to make excuses for the gouges or the rough and ready marks that are evident in most 1930 Pennies. Selecting a good-looking coin is our firm rule for buying 1930 Pennies, irrespective of the quality level. It's a principle that really counts when it comes time for you to realise on your investment and sell. The obverse of this 1930 Penny is graded Good Fine and has a partial central diamond and six plump pearls. The reverse is graded Very Fine and is particularly impressive with strong upper and lower scrolls, prominent ‘1930’ date and intact inner beading.

We like the superior quality of this 1813 Dump and the technical aspects that it presents. And we particularly like the price. At $45,000 you are acquiring a Dump that is in the top ten percent for quality. The fields are highly reflective and the design is sharp and strongly three-dimensional. Technically, it has the 'H’ for Henshall on the reverse, the mark left by the nation’s first mint master guaranteeing his fame. Evidence of the original Spanish Dollar design from which it was created. Intact edge milling. And the elusive ‘dot’ above the ‘3’ in 1813 that author Greg McDonald indicates is rarely ever seen. This is a fabulous example of the nation's first coin. And is available now.

This 1813 Holey Dollar was struck from a Spanish Silver Dollar that was minted in 1777 during the reign of King Charles III of Spain. Now, when it comes to Holey Dollars, Charles III is important. And extremely rare. Of the one hundred and ninety Holey Dollars held by private collectors, only twenty-two were created from silver dollars struck during the reign of Charles III. And this Charles III Holey Dollar is the finest of them all. In fact, we would go one step further and say that its quality state is nothing short of ‘miraculous’. ‘Miraculous’ simply because somehow, the silver dollar escaped the rigours of circulation for thirty-six years from the day it was struck in 1777 until 1813 when it finally came into the hands of the nation’s first mint master, William Henshall, who grabbed it from a barrel. And pounded a hole into it. Its state of preservation is extraordinary and inexplicable and the very reason why at its last auction appearance in Europe, the coin set a new price record. At Extremely Fine this is the finest Charles III Holey Dollar available to collectors. And with the original silver dollar minted in ‘1777’, it is the earliest Charles III Holey Dollar available to collectors.

This 1923 Halfpenny is fabulous. Fabulous, because the coin has great eye appeal, highly reflective fields, crisp design details and superb edges. But, it's under the eye glass that this coin truly shines. The collector that owns this 1923 Halfpenny, also owned the Holey Dollar and Adelaide Pound we sold late last year. Sold in a flash we add. He pursued Australia's classic coin rarities, the 1930 Penny, 1923 Halfpenny, Holey Dollar and Adelaide Pound, his priorities always that the coins had to be visually appealing. And they had to be technically correct. He waited a long time to acquire this coin and our research confirms the reason why. High quality 1923 Halfpennies are excruciatingly rare. This is the second only Uncirculated 1923 Halfpenny we have sold in our entire career. (Technical shots are provided in the READ MORE section and attest to its supreme state.)

Prime Minister Andrew Fisher fulfilled a promise to the nation when he introduced the Commonwealth of Australia’s first banknote in 1913. The note, a Ten Shillings with the signatories of James Collins and George Allen, enjoyed a grandiose release on 1 May 1913 at Melbourne's King’s Warehouse in front of Australia's political and social elite. The notes were printed in sheets of four and cut into single banknotes. Precisely at 3pm, under the supervision of Note Printer Thomas Harrison, a numbering ceremony began, each note individually numbered by hand in red ink. One hundred and two Presentation Notes were distributed by ballot to ensure a fair distribution, paid with the equivalent of a half sovereign. This Presentation Note is hand-numbered M000091 and was secured in the ballot by Jim Mathews, Federal Member for Melbourne Ports and is sold with his letter confirming success in the ballot. The pristine state of the note suggests that Mathews may have collected his prize (as distinct from being pinned to the letter and sent by mail to the recipient) for this Ten Shillings does not have pinholes. Nor has it been folded. Mathews also managed to secure the signature of the Prime Minister Andrew Fisher on the reverse. This Presentation Note and accompanying ballot letter is an investment in history and is available now.

This 1855 Sydney Mint Sovereign is impressive. In the flesh, the coin sparkles under the light. And the edges are fabulous. The surfaces are highly lustrous and there are minimal marks in the fields. Quite remarkable for a piece that was struck one hundred and sixty-seven years ago. And was denied any kid-gloves treatment during the manufacturing process. Impressive and extremely rare. We might see an 1855 Sovereign, at this quality level, once every year. The 1855 Sydney Mint Sovereign has always been one of our preferred coins. It's the nation’s first official gold currency minted at the Sydney Mint, the nation’s very first mint. Given its history, the coin will always be in demand, today and in the future. And it is the combination of quality, history and rarity that underpins this sovereign's value and its potential into the future for capital growth. And this stunning 1855 Sydney Mint Sovereign is available now, offered at $35,000. For collectors with an eye for detail, there is amazing strength in the crown and in the word 'AUSTRALIA'. The technical shots attest to the glorious state of this coin.

This Choice Uncirculated 1923 Halfpenny is spectacular. To the naked eye it has proof-like highly reflective fields that sparkle and there is underlying copper brilliance. But, it’s under an eye-glass that this coin really shines and upholds its Choice Uncirculated status. The design has been brilliantly executed during the minting process, the diamond is three-dimensional, so too the pearls and the gems in the crown. The tell-tale design elements of the band in the crown, moustache, eyebrow, ear, hair and robes … untouched. Finding a 1923 Halfpenny at the quality level of Choice Uncirculated is extremely challenging. Its the highest quality level you can find and only three are known. (Technical shots are provided in the READ MORE section.)

What better way to celebrate Australia Day than with an Aussie icon, the Proof 1927 Canberra Florin. Particularly with one that is as magnificent as this piece. You are in no doubt when you view this florin that it is indeed a specially struck PROOF 1927 Canberra Florin. A superb FDC with a highly detailed design set against a backdrop of smooth, brilliant fields. And if you think Parliament House looks impressive on the reverse, wait until you see the obverse. The design detail of George V is awesome and the silver fields, which occupy a greater area than the reverse, are like mirrors and blemish-free. They sparkle reflecting the light. It is simply stunning, and our photographer has captured the detail, the smoothness and the coin's brilliance. And if you are technically-minded then we confirm there is heavy striations on both obverse and reverse reflecting solid preparation of the dies producing a pristine strike. And the clincher … there are three solid, uninterrupted Parliamentary steps.

Acquire this 1930 Penny and you will be eager to show it to your family and friends. Even better, it’s such an impressive coin, you know you will get positive feedback and perhaps even a touch of envy. You certainly won’t have to make excuses for the gouges or the rough and ready marks that are evident in most 1930 Pennies. Selecting a good-looking coin is our firm rule for buying 1930 Pennies, irrespective of the quality level. It's a principle that really counts when it comes time for you to realise on your investment and sell. The obverse of this 1930 Penny is graded Nearly Very Fine and has an almost complete central diamond and six plump pearls. The oval to the left of the diamond is almost complete. The edge of the crown is complete. The reverse is graded Very Fine and also is impressive with strong upper and lower scrolls, prominent ‘1930’ date and intact inner beading. And to kick-start the New Year we are offering this 1930 Penny WITH A PRICE ADVANTAGE of $4500. Technical shots re-affirm our comments.

The buyer of this 1813 Dump will take pride in knowing that the coin was formerly held as part of the legendary Osborne Collection. The buyer will also take pride in knowing that this Dump was exhibited in 2019, at the Royal Australian Mint Canberra, in the 'All That Is Holey' Exhibition. The coin was a natural contender for inclusion in the exhibition. It was struck from the very rare D/2 dies. And with a quality grading of Nearly Extremely Fine, rests in the top three per cent of D/2 examples. It is clearly one of the best. But it was the strong evidence of the original Spanish Dollar design, that was the clincher for its inclusion in the Exhibition. It is acknowledged that Australia's first Mint Master, William Henshall, applied heat during the coining process to obliterate the original Spanish Dollar design from the Dump. He majorly slipped up with this coin for there is extensive evidence of the design elements of the original Spanish Dollar, the lion and the castle and the cross bars of the shield. Traces of the Spanish Dollar design are rarely seen and highly prized. This 1813 Dump is an acknowledged industry showpiece and is available now.

When you look at the photo of this Dump, it almost leaps off the page. And that’s a sign of a high-quality Dump. Then, when you look at the coin in your hand, the design details are crisp and clearly visible to the naked eye. The fields are smooth and reflective and have toned to a beautiful charcoal grey. This is a supreme quality example of the nation’s first coin, ranked in the top EIGHT per cent. Over and above its quality ranking this coin has attributes that are highly prized and the reason why we refer to it as a 'textbook' Dump. They are traits that you simply don't see in every Dump. For a start there is the 'H’ for Henshall on the reverse, the mark left by the nation’s first mint master guaranteeing his fame. There also is evidence of the original Spanish Dollar design from which it was created. Intact edge milling, the minting authority's ploy to prevent clipping of slivers of silver from the edges. And edge denticles that act as a picture-frame to the design. There is additional information below that expands on our introductory comments as well as technical shots that re-affirm the superior state of this 1813 Dump.

Australians just love their coppers ... the Penny and the Halfpenny. They are the coins that were within financial reach of the 'man in the street'. Whereas the sovereign was the domain of the privileged few, a copper coin could be enjoyed by everyone. And in top quality or struck to glorious proof quality, the coin became a numismatic treasure. We have put together a treasure trove of six coins for you to enjoy, four stunning proof coins struck at the Melbourne Mint. And two elite coins that were struck as circulating currency, also at the Melbourne Mint. By virtue of their quality and rarity, each coin is at the pinnacle of its type.

This Proof 1936 Halfpenny was struck as a Coin of Record at the Melbourne Mint. It is dramatic. And it is impressive. Furthermore it is extremely rare. The coin first came to our attention in July 2001, when it was offered at Noble's Auction, Melbourne. The auction house acknowledged its superb state by classifying it as FDC and setting a sale price estimate of $6000, considered a strong price at the time. Bidders at the auction were in agreement with Noble's assessment of the coin. Solid bidding took the final price to $7015, seventeen per cent over the anticipated sale price. This coin in the flesh reflects the light like a piece of glass and radiates stunning colours. The edges are well polished. Whoever brushed the dies to prepare them for the strike did so with gusto, for there are strong striations on both sides of the coin indicating that the dies were carefully prepared to ensure a crisp and strongly three-dimensional design. One of only five known, this stunning, yet affordable Melbourne Mint proof striking is available now.

This is a magnificent Proof 1956 Penny struck at the Perth Mint and the quality is what we have come to expect from Dr. Vince Verheyen. The colour is vivid and intense, the surfaces impactful. The designs of the flying kangaroo and Queen Elizabeth II are beautifully etched. Furthermore, the coin shows the classic high squared-off rims that the Perth Mint was, at the time, renowned for. The Proof 1956 Penny is one of the greatest rarities to come out of the Perth Mint, struck in a very tight mintage of 417 coins. That makes it extremely rare. Dr. Vince Verheyen is one of the most revered Australian proof coin collectors and an authority on proof coinage. This is unequivocally, one of the best Perth Mint Proof 1956 Pennies around.

This Proof 1917 Sixpence is a heritage piece. It is a clue to our past and is an acknowledgment of the evolution of the Australian numismatic industry. In 1916, the Melbourne Mint commenced striking Australia's silver coinage. Consumed with striking coins for circulation, the Melbourne Mint did not strike any proofs. The Mint continued its obligations to Treasury in striking circulating currency in 1917 but took up the mantle of striking proofs. Which means that this stunningly rare Proof 1917 Sixpence is the Melbourne Mint's very first proof striking of the nation’s silver coinage. It is a Coin of Record in the truest sense and is one of two known in private hands. Testimony to its importance, an example is held for posterity in the archives of the Museum of Victoria. You can tell by looking at this coin that it was minted as a presentation piece. The original silver blanks have been polished to achieve a dazzling mirror shine. And there is strong striations in the fields indicating that the dies were heavily brushed and well prepared to achieve a brilliant strike. We note that it was once held in 'The Madrid Collection of Australian Rare Coins'.

We are going to let the photographs do most of ''the talking" on this impressive ‘Diamond and Pearl’ 1930 Penny. Suffice to say that at Good Extremely Fine, this 1930 Penny has a complete central diamond and eight clear pearls. And it is the presence of the eight pearls in the crown that makes this coin particularly special, identifying it as a leading 1930 Penny and an exception to those most commonly sighted. Of the one thousand-plus 1930 Pennies in existence today, we rate this coin as Number 3 in the pecking order. (Technical shots are provided.)

This Proof 1936 Penny was struck as a Coin of Record at the Melbourne Mint. And while eighty-five years have elapsed since the coin was minted, it retains its copper brilliance on both reverse and obverse having been brilliantly preserved. The fields are like copper-glass, the edges are well polished. Whoever brushed the dies to prepare them for the strike did so with gusto, for there are strong striations on both sides of the coin indicating that the dies were carefully prepared to ensure a crisp and strongly three-dimensional design. We close off with the comment that Coinworks has, over the last two years, sold some magnificent copper proofs all of which have come back from clients that have held them for close to two decades. And that stock has been steadily diminishing. This coin is quite possibly one of the last of the George V copper proofs to come from our 'original' inventory. It is an ominous sign from a supply perspective. It may also be a sign that prices are set to rise.

The Proof 1923 Penny is an acknowledged ‘great’ Australian coin rarity. It is unique. And to add further to its fame, the year is connected with Australia’s rarest halfpenny in the 1923 Halfpenny. The Proof 1923 Penny was struck as a Coin of Record at the Melbourne Mint and is a glorious proof striking, the fields as smooth and as reflective as glass. Under magnification, striations are noted on both obverse and reverse. There is underlying copper brilliance on the reverse and also on the obverse. The design is strongly three-dimensional, the denticles crisp and uniformly spaced, the edges highly polished. This stunning Proof 1923 Penny appeared at auction in July 1998, the coin selling for $9900, more than triple its pre-auction estimate. While the quality was enough to gain bidder attention, it was the rarity that drove the price for up until July 1998, a Proof 1923 Penny had never been sighted. And to this day it is the only Proof 1923 Penny known in private hands.

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. It is a superb Gem FDC. The Melbourne Mint reached its pinnacle during Le Souef’s term, particularly in the striking of its silver proofs, perhaps a reflection of his personal passion for silver coinage. This Proof 1924 Sixpence was not struck for collectors as part of any mass-marketing sales campaign. It was struck for the mint's archives and the privileged few. Because it was a specially arranged striking of presentation pieces, only a handful were struck. The original silver blanks were hand selected and polished to achieve a dazzling mirror shine. Furthermore, the coin has strong striations in the fields indicating that the dies were heavily brushed and well prepared to achieve a brilliant strike. This Proof 1924 Sixpence is well preserved and has obviously been cherished in the intervening years. We note that it was formerly held in 'The Madrid Collection of Australian Rare Coins'.

There are some coins that stay firmly fixed in your memory. Coins that are exciting for the extraordinary quality traits they possess. And this 1930 Penny is one of them, last sighted by us in 2003 when we sold it to a Shepparton collector. Yes, the coin has circulated which reflects 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 eighteen years has taught us is that you do not see 1930 Pennies like this every day. Or every month. Or every year for that matter!

The Perth Mint has struck many of Australia's greatest coin rarities including this fabulous 1918 Half Sovereign. The coin is offered in the premium grade of Choice Uncirculated and it is the addition of the word ‘CHOICE’ that makes this coin the absolute exception, a step up from Uncirculated and poles apart from those 1918 Half Sovereigns most frequently sighted. The coin has lustrous obverse fields and majestic satin reverse fields. The strike is strong, the design highly detailed. We remark on the strength in the rider’s leg …. an inherent area of weakness in most 1918 Half Sovereigns. We also remark that this is only the fourth Choice Uncirculated 1918 Half Sovereign we have sold. This is a great coin offered at a great price of $18,000.