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The nation's first gold coin was struck at the Adelaide Assay Office on 23 September 1852. We know it today as the 1852 Adelaide Pound. We follow a simple process when it comes to acquiring an Adelaide Pound. We check the coin in the hand confirming that it is aesthetically pleasing. We then take the coin under the glass examining the fine detail. And then we re-check it with the naked eye to confirm our decision. We have gone through the processes with this coin, and we like what we see with both the naked eye and the eye-glass. We particularly note that while this coin has circulated, there are not the gouges or hard knocks that are so often associated with circulated gold coins. We also note, the fields are highly reflective. (Technical shots are shown below in the Learn More section.)

Collectors and dealers can wait more than a decade to be offered a coin as good as this one! When this 1953 Perth Mint Proof Penny surfaced in 2013, interest in the coin was phenomenal. Offered at Australian Coin Auctions, it set an all-time high price record. The coin is truly spectacular. A molten proof copper, the reverse with full original brilliance. And on the obverse, brilliant glossy surfaces with magnificent iridescent toning. Solid striations are evident under the glass and reflect careful preparation of the dies resulting in a beautiful strike. History buffs please note, the obverse depicts the effigy of the late queen, Elizabeth II, the first year her portrait appeared on Australia’s coinage.

Australians were eager to welcome in a new currency when Edward VIII became king in 1936. The threepence, shilling and florin were up for major design revisions, as was the penny. The changes were put on the back burner when Edward VIII abdicated the British throne. In 1937, to create a distraction from the Royal scandal, the Australian Government authorised the striking of its first crowned sized coin. The five shillings was struck in sterling silver and weighed 28.27 grams with a diameter of 38.5 mm. A trickle over 1 million crowns were released into circulation. One hundred 1937 Proof Crowns were especially struck to sell to the public. While the circulating crown is readily available, the 1937 Proof Crown, with its tight mintage, is extremely difficult to acquire, confirmed by the frequency of our offerings. Its been six years since we last offered a proof crown.

This is an impressive 1930 Penny, in the top 10 per cent of surviving examples, with a grading of Very Fine. It is a classy coin. The important details such as the upper and lower scrolls, the legend and the date ‘1930’ are all prominent. And the edges, which we also consider important, are solid. Flip the coin, over and the monarch's crown shows four sides of the central diamond and six plump pearls. The oval to the left of the central diamond is almost complete. Moreover, the toning is a consistent and a handsome chocolate brown, the fields glossy and highly reflective. Technical shots are shown below in the 'Learn More' section.

The Royal Australian Mint is today a mass producer of coinage whether it be manufacturing circulating currency for Treasury. Or creating proof coinage to sell to collectors. The mint in Canberra is not geared to striking just a handful of proof coins, particularly one as diminutive as a threepence. As Australians we are fortunate that our pre-decimal mints bothered to preserve our coining heritage for future generations and create proof examples of our circulating currency. Struck as Coins of Record, this 1924 Proof Threepence and 1926 Proof Threepence are glorious examples of our early mint’s proof coining skills, both coins fully brilliant emanating magnificent colours. The coins have superb detail, in the emu's feathers, ADVANCE AUSTRALIA, and the date. Under the eye glass, both coins show heavy striations reflecting careful preparation of the dies. They are amazing pieces of Australia’s numismatic history and in their own way, mini-works of art. The coins are extremely rare, and we note this is the only 1924 Proof Threepence we have sold. And indeed, the only 1926 Proof Threepence sold. Check out the technical shots below. They are brilliant!

We are not sure which excites us most. The date '1920'. The coin's unique rarity status. Or the asking price of $20,000. This 1920 Proof Sixpence was struck as a Coin of Record at the Melbourne Mint and is the only known example. Struck with a high wire rim with a brilliant reverse, the coin shows heavy striations reflecting careful preparation of the dies. The year 1920 hosts the rarest coins in the Australian numismatic industry; a stunning line-up that includes Australia’s rarest florin, the 1920 Pattern Star Florin, one of Australia’s most valuable shillings, the 1920 Pattern Star Shilling, Australia’s most valuable sovereign, the 1920 Sydney Mint Sovereign and the most valuable kookaburra coin, the 1920 Square Halfpenny ... and that's just for starters. History is preserved in this 1920 Proof Sixpence for today’s collectors. And for future generations.

A great coin can develop a brand that gives it a distinct identity to distinguish it from its competitors. The brand offers clarity. The brand offers trust. A brand is a promise of an experience. The development of the brand starts with an extraordinary quality coin. Coupled with an outstanding performance in the public domain. And then a great collector moves into the picture acquiring the coin, and the demand and the performance self-perpetuates. The Ross Pratley 1858 Sydney Mint Half Sovereign is a brand. It is an extraordinary coin, the finest of its year and unequivocally, the finest Sydney Mint Half Sovereign. It is quite likely the very finest Australian half sovereign. Holding this coin in your hand is like holding no other for its condition belies its original purpose of being used as the circulating currency workhorse of the colony. Presented in the finest state of preservation, the technical shots shown below confirm the glorious state of the Ross Pratley 1858 Sydney Mint Half Sovereign.

This 1855 Sydney Mint Half Sovereign is from the esteemed Quartermaster Collection and is one of the great coins of Australian numismatics. It is the very finest example of the nation’s first half sovereign. The ultimate quality ranking of the finest. And the ultimate historical standing as the first half sovereign produced at the Sydney Mint, the nation's first mint. The earliest recorded owner was Canadian coin dealer, William Barrett, who acquired the piece in the 1970s. But it was the exchange in the 1980s, to Sydney gold coin dealer, Robert Jaggard, that was for Australian collectors, the most momentous. The jewel in the crown of the Sydney Mint Half Sovereign series was brought home to its country of origin. And its city of origin. Barrie Winsor and Tom Hadley were acutely aware that, when it came to acquiring an 1855 Sydney Mint Half Sovereign for the Quartermaster Collection, there really was only one option. This coin. And so, they played a waiting game.

This set is a unique opportunity for one buyer. The set is captivating, each coin individually sensational and handpicked for quality. And yet each coin is different, in their obverse and reverse designs and their toning, which ultimately reflects the diversity of the series. The set of three coins is highly historical and tells the story of the Kookaburra Square Penny. A three-year program conducted at the Melbourne Mint that started in 1919, continued into 1920, and finished in 1921, the aim to produce a uniquely Australian coin.

This coin is a prize. It is one of the finest examples of the nation’s first sovereign, the 1855 Sydney Mint Sovereign, offered in a quality of Choice Uncirculated. To our knowledge, only four other examples are known at this quality level, including the famous Quartermaster coin. And there are none finer. It is hard to fathom how a coin that was intended for circulation can survive in this state. Plucked off the production line is a possible answer. The fields are magnificent, brilliant and highly reflective. The design detail is obvious, even to the naked eye. Under the eye glass the coin continues to shine for the crown is well struck, the cross on the orb at the top of the crown is complete, the fleur de lis on left and right are precise as are the pleats in the cloth. And so is ‘AUSTRALIA’ below the crown. And the hairline at the top of Victoria’s forehead is well struck and untouched. Whether you are a collector or a dealer, you never forget the moment you lay eyes on a truly great coin. For us it was 2009, when we sighted this quite extraordinary 1855 Sydney Mint Sovereign.

We like the quality of this Holey Dollar. Beautifully toned, the coin has fabulous eye appeal and glossy, lustrous surfaces. And we like the quality of the counter stamps. A top quality Extremely Fine, with original silver lustre, the 'H' for Henshall between the two twigs of leaves as well formed as we have seen. We also like the placement of the counter stamps, that 'New South Wales' and 'Five Shillings' are at the top of the coin, as they were always intended. Last, but by no means least, we like its price point. When it comes to buying a Holey Dollar, the price point of between $100,000 and $200,000 offers extreme value for your investment dollars. The buyer is taking up a coin that, to the naked eye looks relatively untouched and that has all its design details intact. (In comparison to those Holey Dollars priced below $100,000 that show obvious design wear and/or possible defects from usage.) The technical shots shown below confirm our glowing assessment of the coin.

A coin that has a pedigree that includes Australia’s greatest gold coin collectors Bob Jaggard, Paul Terry and Tom Hadley will never disappoint. This 1887 Sovereign, a case in point. It is a rare date sovereign and it is the finest known. In Australia’s history, the year 1887 is unique in that it presented the Deputy Master of the Melbourne Mint with two distinctly different reverse designs, St George and the Dragon or Shield. And as Queen Victoria celebrated her Golden Jubilee mid-1887, there were options of two distinctly different obverse designs, the Young Head or Jubilee portrait. With so many options, and no requirement to strike equal numbers of each, it was inevitable that a super-rarity would emerge. And it has in the form of this coin, the 1887 Shield Sovereign featuring the Young Head portrait of Queen Victoria. Extremely rare across all quality levels and this example the very finest at Brilliant Uncirculated. The technical shots, shown below, confirm its glorious state.

This is a Classic 1930 Penny with a partial central diamond and six plump pearls. And it is priced below $30,000 which makes it the perfect entry point for buyers keen to acquire a nice 1930 Penny. Notice the inner beading in the area between the last 'A' in Australia and the '30' in the date. It is crisp and pristine which is very often NOT the case with 1930 Pennies. (Due to the strike this area can be flat.) We note the toning is even and handsome. Our summary conclusion is that this coin is impressive and you will be proud to show it off to your family and friends. This is an iconic 1930 Penny. The technical photos confirm its positive attributes.

A Trans-Tasman connection was alive and kicking when New Zealander, Henry George Williams, financed the striking of a small number of Proof Pennies in 1935 at the Melbourne Mint. In so doing, Williams unwittingly created an Australian 'numismatic star'. The term 'numismatic star' falls well short in describing this particular Proof 1935 Penny. It is a NUMISMATIC SUPER-STAR for the coin has glass-like surfaces and original copper brilliance on both reverse and obverse. Heavy striations reflect zealous preparation of the dies resulting in a superb strike. This coin was sold to the vendor in 2002. It is Melbourne Mint proof coining at its best and offers quality that is seldom seen. A collector will wait decades to acquire proofs of this calibre.

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.

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.

This is an outstanding coin rarity. In superb quality. The Kookaburra Square Halfpenny is one of the great Commonwealth coin rarities and has been so acknowledged since Australian Auction records began in the 1950s. And this example, dated 1921, is offered in the optimum quality of Choice Uncirculated. Every series has its highlights, the show-stoppers, the scene stealers. And in the case of the Kookaburra Square Coin series, the Halfpenny commands attention. The reason is simply due to its inordinate scarcity. Whereas approximately two hundred Kookaburra Pennies are available to collectors, of varying dates, designs and prices. A minuscule twelve Kookaburra Halfpennies are available to the same buying audience. It’s these numbers that have made the Square Halfpenny one of Australia’s most elusive and sought-after coin rarities. In demand from collectors of the kookaburra coin series. And in demand from buyers with a pure investment focus. The technical shots re-affirm our glowing assessment of the coin.

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.

The Sir Marcus Clark 1860 Aborigine Threepence is unequivocally an Australian Numismatic Treasure and has been held by some of Australia’s leading coin dealers and collectors. Its reputation was firmly established in 1954 when it appeared at James Lawson’s Auctions in the sale of the collection of the late Sir Marcus Clarke, KBE. The earliest numismatic depiction of an Indigenous Australian, the quality was extraordinary, a superb mint-state, the piece selling for the massive price of £38. For the 50-plus years that I have been involved in the industry, it has always been known as “The Sir Marcus Clark Aborigine Threepence”. It is an industry icon and of the seven other known examples, this piece is the absolute finest of them all.

There have been great buying opportunities for collectors and investors in the Kookaburra Coin series over the last twelve months. Buyers have been taking advantage of subdued prices but, as recent auction results attest, competition for the coins is heating up. And prices are set to move. The Kookaburra Square Penny is a classic Australian coin rarity. The coins were struck in 1919, 1920 and 1921 at the Melbourne Mint. This Square Penny was struck in 1921 and has the design type 11. Another design was tested in 1921, known as the type 12. While both types are scarce, the Type 11 is the rarer of the two (by far). And visually, it is extremely attractive, the surfaces proof-like and compelling. Of course, how a coin starts at the mint - and how it ends up one hundred years later having passed through several collector's hands - can be poles apart. When you look at this Square Penny you can see that it has been cherished by its former owners for it has been brilliantly preserved.

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.

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.

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.

The Type 7 1920 Kookaburra Square Penny is exceedingly rare, and to offer an example in such superb quality is a privilege. Testimony to its rarity, a Type 7 last appeared at a major public auction seven years ago. And it was certainly nowhere near the quality of this coin. This is a Choice Uncirculated example of one of the nation’s glamour coins, the 1920 Kookaburra Square Penny. That the coin is priced at the same level as a Very Fine 1930 Penny (and yet is far scarcer) reflects the value that it offers.

The 1852 Adelaide Pound is a classic Australian coin rarity, with a unique status as the nation’s very first gold coin. And this example is impressive, highly lustrous with superb design detail. The coin looks good to the naked eye and when you take up the eye glass it continues to shine with a whisper touch of circulation to the high points and minimal marks in the fields. This is a well-priced example of the nation’s very first gold coin, offered in a premium quality level of About Uncirculated.

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.

The 'Chase Manhattan' Presentation Set is comprised of five coins, the penny, florin, shilling, sixpence and threepence. Each piece was struck to specimen quality, depicting the new monarch, Queen Elizabeth II, in her coronation year. The sets were struck to order, the request placed by the Chase Manhattan Bank in New York for their Currency Museum and only twelve sets were prepared. All were exported overseas. No sets were struck for the Australian collector market, meaning that this is the only Australian issue to mark the 1953 coronation of Queen Elizabeth II. Four Chase Manhattan Sets have been sighted over the last fifty years, the first sighting at Spink & Son Melbourne Auction in 1975. A set was more recently sighted at auction in November 2001, where it sold for $39,000 on a pre-auction estimate of $18,000. Well preserved 1953 Sets are stunning ... see our comments below on the individual coins.

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.

This 1921 Kookaburra Penny is engaging, its quality is stunning. So too is its price for it is being offered at less than the cost of a well circulated 1930 Penny. When you compare their rarity, the 1930 Penny with at least 1000 well circulated examples available to collectors, and this 1921 Square Penny a minuscule 35 to 40 coins, the value it represents is impressive. And if you think the reverse on this coin looks good, wait until you see the obverse. Spectacular!

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.

This is a ‘generational wealth’ opportunity. An 1894 Proof Sovereign and an 1894 Proof Half Sovereign, the only Melbourne Mint Gold Proof Pair that we have ever offered in fifty-plus years of trading. We have sold a handful of individual proof sovereigns out of this era. And even less proof half sovereigns. But never had the opportunity to offer the sovereign and half sovereign together as a pair. And that’s a powerful statement given that this is one area of the rare coin market that is our strength. The coins come with an illustrious history, the Proof Sovereign first publicly sighted at auction in 1903 in the sale of the John G Murdoch Collection. The Proof Half Sovereign, also owned by Murdoch and offered at the same auction in 1903. Gem frosted proofs struck as Presentation Pieces at the Melbourne Mint, brilliantly preserved, they are flawless. Extremely rare as individual proofs. And unique as a pair.

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.

Rare coins are a storage of wealth. And rare coins are a joy to own. The owner of the ‘Nullica’ hoard held those views. A farmer, he bought his first 1930 Penny in the early 1990s and was so thrilled with his first purchase, he repeated the exercise many times over eventually acquiring seven 1930 Pennies, two of which were passed to his children. He was perceptive recognising that the 1930 Penny, as an Aussie icon, would at the very least retain its value. And given its popularity and limited numbers would more than likely increase in value. He was correct on all counts! Click the 'Learn More' button for individual photographs and price information.

Crazy economic times might be completely forgotten if it were not for the numismatic super-stars that emerged from these zany eras. And 1946 was a crazy year, escalating silver prices creating a financial nightmare for the Australian Government, still issuing currency in sterling silver. And this 1946 Florin is a numismatic super-star. An experimental strike minted in an alternative metal of cupro nickel and the only example available to collectors. Can a mint go broke striking currency? Well, the Sydney Mint certainly did and was closed in 1926. The Melbourne Mint was under extreme pressure to experiment with new alloys for the nation’s silver coinage and produced four florins using cupro nickel as an alternative metal. The work was considered so sensitive that none were passed to officials or members of the public, all were archived. Collectors first became aware of the existence of a 'cupro nickel' 1946 Pattern Florin in March 1980 in an article published in the Australian Coin Review. Collectors got a chance to get their hands on one in 1988 when this coin was released by the Museum of Victoria and offered at Spink Australia’s Gala Bicentenary Auction. Of great historical significance and of the utmost rarity, this Pattern 1946 Florin is available now.

The Nobleman One Pound is a world-class rarity and set a standard for quality that no other Type I has ever matched. And that few Type II Adelaide Pounds will ever equal. This coin was, however, its perfect match and sat alongside the Nobleman One Pound for the last thirteen years. Now both are being sold. As with the Nobleman One Pound, this Type II Adelaide Pound attracted a high-quality ranking of Brilliant Uncirculated. The strike has been superbly executed, the coin displaying its full design detail. And the surfaces are highly reflective, the coin’s state of preservation miraculous. It must have been plucked off the production line as soon as it was minted and has been given extra-special care ever since for the coin is fully lustrous on both obverse and reverse. We note the edge denticles are strong and complete, all the way around, as is the legend 'Government Assay Office Adelaide'. The inner circular beading and scalloped border is crisp and highly detailed, so too the crown with its two fleur-de-lis resting on pleated cloth. And the pleats in the cloth are defined as are the jewels in the band of the crown. This Adelaide Pound is outstanding, the technical shots shown below confirming the fine detail this coin presents.

This Proof 1880 Half Sovereign was struck as a Presentation Piece at the Sydney Mint and features the Young Head obverse portrait of Queen Victoria and the Shield reverse. The coin is one of two known. 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 Young Head design and a different date, might pop up tomorrow is almost non-existent for the entire Young Head sector (1871 to 1887) is represented by about eight proof coins. (See below for more information on their extreme scarcity.) Compelling quality, extraordinarily rare, highly important and available now.

The year 1920 is considered one of the ‘great’ years of Australian numismatics, producing some of the nation’s most significant coin rarities, including this Kookaburra Square Penny. The Melbourne Mint tested five different designs in 1920, this coin referenced the type 9. The coin is an acknowledged super-star of the series for it features a new bust design by Douglas Richardson that is unique to the type, the legend GEORGEIVS D.G.BRITT: OMN:REX is around the rim, parallel to the edge as distinct from most kookaburra coin types that feature a circular legend. Aside from its unique design, the type 9 is excruciatingly rare with only seven coins believed available to collectors. Our experiences attest to the coin’s extreme scarcity. We have sold only four examples over the last fifty years.

The Type 2, 1921 Kookaburra Halfpenny. And the Type 12, 1921 Kookaburra Penny. Both coins share the same obverse portrait designed by Australian sculptor and medallist Bertram Mackennal. And they share the same reverse design of a plump kookaburra resting on a branch. Given the extreme rarity of the Halfpenny, having the two coins together is a rare opportunity. That the two coins are matched for quality makes this an extraordinarily rare opportunity. WE CHECKED. The last time a matched pair of Kookaburra Halfpenny and Kookaburra Penny appeared at auction was in 1993.

This 1921 Kookaburra Penny is engaging, its quality is stunning. So too is its price for it is being offered at less than the cost of a well circulated 1930 Penny. When you compare their rarity, the 1930 Penny with at least 1000 well circulated examples available to collectors, and this 1921 Square Penny a minuscule 35 to 40 coins, the value it represents is impressive. And if you think the reverse on this coin looks good, wait until you see the obverse. Spectacular!

The Kookaburra Halfpenny is a great Commonwealth rarity. And incredibly scarce! • There are about 200 Kookaburra Pennies of various dates and designs available to collectors. • The crunch for penny buyers comes when they want to acquire a Kookaburra Halfpenny (as most do) for there are only about 12 in existence. So, 90 per cent of penny collectors are wiped out before they even start looking, as a coin will never become available. This 1921 Kookaburra Square Halfpenny is superb for quality. And if you think the reverse looks good, wait until you see the obverse for it is stunning! And this Choice Uncirculated 1921 Kookaburra Square Halfpenny is available now.

In an industry that values extreme rarity, the title "Australia's Rarest Commonwealth Coin" is impressive and it commands attention. And the title belongs to this coin, the 1919 Pattern Shilling. Whereas most Australian circulating coins were struck in the millions, only three shillings were struck in 1919. Whilst the mintage is remarkable. Even more remarkable, the coins were struck in a reduced alloy of .625 silver, instead of the normal .925, a fineness that had been adopted since the first Australian silver coin issue of 1910. One shilling was retained by the Mint for its archives and is currently held by the Museum of Victoria. Two coins were given to Government officials, including the Treasurer at the time. The political damage of having a debased coin accidentally getting out into circulation saw the application of an official counter stamp, to signify the coin's reduced silver content. Two 'S''s were officially counter stamped on both sides of the obverse and reverse fields. This coin is famous. This coin charts history. This coin is rare. And this coin is available now.

The 1852 Adelaide Pound is the nation’s very first gold coin. And this example is impressive, highly lustrous with superb design detail. And that follows our first rule for acquisition ... acquire a coin that looks good to the naked eye. Take up the eye glass and it continues to shine with a whisper touch of circulation to the high points and minimal marks in the fields ... and that follows our second rule for acquisition. Ensure the technical details of the coin are sound and as described. Our final rule asks you to check out the coin again just to make sure nothing has been overlooked. This example passes our three-point rule with flying colours. It is a well-priced example of the nation’s very first gold coin, offered in a premium quality level. This is a coin that you will be proud to show family and friends.

The 1930 Penny is legendary, and its star status has made it one of Australia's most valuable rare coins. To assist collectors in their selection process, we offer one very basic tip ... acquire a 1930 Penny that is visually very attractive and has no major defects from its time in circulation. A glance at the technical photos, both obverse and reverse, of this coin shows that it is simply a great 1930 Penny. The obverse is graded About Very Fine and the reverse a higher quality grading of Very Fine. Collectors will note the partial central diamond and six plump pearls in the king’s crown. If you have been sitting back watching the market and waiting for a quality 1930 Penny to come along ... then this is the coin for you.

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. Australia’s rarest Penny, the 1945 Penny. The pattern cupro-nickel 1946 Florin, to be offered by Coinworks next month. And this specimen 1932 Florin. The '32 florin sold at the Spink Australia 1988 Auction for $10,000 on a pre-auction estimate of $6000. A further sale is recorded in 2006, by Monetarium to the current owner. This coin is the only specimen quality example available to collectors of this powerful, rare date florin.

This 1813 Holey Dollar has a distinctive edge. While most Holey Dollars were created from Charles IV Spanish Silver Dollars, this coin was minted from a Ferdinand VII Silver Dollar. And that makes it one of the rarest Holey Dollars. As evidenced by the photos, it also is supreme for quality. 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. This coin is one of the thirteen and the very reason why we say it has a distinctive edge. This Holey Dollar is photographed on page 65 of the Mira Noble book, 'The Holey Dollars of News South Wales', a copy of which will be gifted to the new owner. Technical shots re-affirm the quality of this extremely rare Holey Dollar.

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 fields are smooth and reflective and the design details crisp and clearly visible to the naked eye. And that’s also a sign of a high-quality coin. This is a superior quality example of the nation’s first coin, ranked in the top FIFTEEN 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. (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 strong 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.

The Proof 1930 Penny is legendary. And so is its lower denomination counterpart, the Proof 1930 Halfpenny. Both coins have a date that counts, ‘1930’, the year resonating with all Australians. And a year that guarantees their continuing popularity. This Proof 1930 Halfpenny is particularly famous and has a remarkable history that almost eclipses that of its higher denomination counterpart, the Proof 1930 Penny. The coin has a Syd Hagley provenance and is rare, with only two other known examples. It has made two auction appearances in Australia over the last forty-two years, the first offering in March 1981 where it fetched $13,000 on an estimate of $2000. A further appearance occurred in March 2000, this glorious proof selling for $39,100 on an estimate of $25,000. FDC with iridescent mirror surfaces that give off stunning purple and emerald-green colours, highlighting the date and highlighting the legend on both obverse and reverse. The inner beading is pristine. The edge denticles immaculate. This is a memorable coin!

The years 1914 and 1915 are profoundly significant for all Australians. And they represent a major chapter in the nation’s history when Australia, as a dominion of the British Empire, was committed to war. The years 1914 and 1915 are also profoundly significant for coin collectors and represent a major chapter in Australia's numismatic history. The nation's coinage was stuck at the privately owned Heaton Mint in Birmingham creating some of Australia’s greatest coin rarities including these stunning silver proofs. The coins were unknown until the 1970s when they were discovered in the vaults of the Heaton Mint, a minuscule cache of flawless mint-state presentation pieces, their hibernation in a strictly static, controlled environment fostering a beautiful olive steel/grey patina.

This Proof 1927 Shilling is spectacular. And it is extremely rare. Just two examples of the Proof 1927 Shilling have surfaced over the last half century … this piece that was last offered at public auction in 1982. And one other coin that was offered in 1975 and has not been sighted since. (The limited appearances are typical of this area of the market). Aesthetically this Proof 1927 Shilling is magnificent, the fields as smooth as ice, and highly reflective. Almost too good to shut away, this coin has been displayed many times over attracting the interest of the collecting public and numismatic dealers alike. Take a look at the obverse. It is stunning.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Will King Charles III appear on Australia's $5 banknote? If he doesn’t, whose face will adorn our lowest denomination note? Questions that are already intriguing the public. Either way there will be a flurry of decimal banknote activity next year with new collectors swelling an already vibrant market. They will add pressure to those pockets of the decimal banknote market that are already scarce. Banknotes such as these Coombs Randall Twenty Dollar notes. The 1967 Coombs Randall Twenty Dollar banknote is Australia's rarest issued decimal note. In fact, the Australian banknotes that have the Coombs Randall signature combination are scarce in all denominations from the One Dollar up to the Twenty Dollar. And the ‘Coombs Randall Twenties’ are the scarcest and most sought after of them all. While most banknotes are issued throughout a year, the Coombs Randall Twenty Dollar notes were issued for only a matter of weeks, from mid-September 1967 until October 1967. The 'Coombs Randall Twenties' are the absolute ‘key’ to the Australian banknote series and this pair is a great one to put away for the future. See technical shots below.

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.

There has never been a better time to buy a Kookaburra Square Penny. The coin is a 'blue-chip' coin rarity. Yet in 2022, prices are a little subdued. This Uncirculated 1921 Kookaburra Penny is offered at $25,000. The price is indicative of a market that has simply forgotten just how extremely rare and important the coin is. We are not phased. It's a pattern that we have seen before amongst Australia's top coin rarities, including the iconic 1930 Penny. Yes, even Australia's favourite copper coin, the 1930 Penny, went through a quiet phase in the lead up to 2022. And it's now taken off and prices have accelerated! Shares, property and rare coins ... subdued prices present great buying opportunities. And at $25,000, this Kookaburra Square Penny is one such opportunity. It’s rare, the quality is fabulous and it’s a definite one-off. The technical shots below re-affirm its superb state.

A provenance says a lot about a coin. And in the case of this Proof 1931 Penny, it speaks volumes. The coin made its first public appearance at Australian Coin Auctions sale in February 2002. The auction was a water-shed moment for the numismatic industry offering proofs that had never been seen before. And realising prices that also had never been seen before. The quality was unprecedented. And twenty years down the track we still haven’t seen anything like it. The vendor indicated that he had bought the collection in the 1950s from renowned collector Roy Farman, who in turn was a close friend of Albert Le Souef, the Deputy Master of the Melbourne Mint. We attended the auction and the competition for acquisition was amazing, the coins selling for prices that trampled pre-auction estimates and catalogue values. This Proof 1931 Penny is a Brilliant FDC, simply a stunning coin. The year '1931' also is one of the scarce dates of the penny series. The combination of quality and rare date saw the coin sell for $26,000, thirty-six per cent over its then catalogue price.

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.

There has never been a better time to buy a Kookaburra Square Penny. The coin is a 'blue-chip' coin rarity. Yet in 2022, prices are a little subdued. This Choice Uncirculated 1919 Kookaburra Penny is offered at $35,000. The price is indicative of a market that has simply forgotten just how extremely rare and important the coin is. We are not phased. It's a pattern that we have seen before amongst Australia's top coin rarities, including the iconic 1930 Penny. Yes, even Australia's favourite copper coin, the 1930 Penny, went through a quiet phase in the lead up to 2022. And it's now taken off and prices have accelerated! Shares, property and rare coins ... subdued prices present great buying opportunities. And at $35,000, this Kookaburra Square Penny is one such opportunity. It’s rare, the quality is fabulous and it’s a definite one-off. The technical shots below re-affirm its superb state.

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.)