This 1887 Sovereign features the Young Head portrait of Queen Victoria. Presented in Uncirculated quality with proof-like surfaces. Under the glass, there is a hint of the kiss-curl in front of the ear.
The first thing to note about this coin is the superb edges. Then take in the intricate design set against a background of proof-like fields.
There are some key indicators that collectors look out for when making a numismatic purchase. And all of this is weighed up against the price. The date is critical. The more important the date, the better. How rare is the coin for the rarer the better. And finally, what about its quality? This Uncirculated 1887 Sovereign has the lot!
An important date.
The Shield reverse design superseded the Sydney Mint design on Australia's sovereigns in 1871. And continued for a further sixteen years until 1887. Queen Victoria’s Young Head portrait featured on the obverse.
The importance of this coin is clear. It marks the end of the era that produced Australia's Young Head Shield Sovereigns.
It is an acknowledged fact that collectors prefer the first and last year of a series over and above all others. The first year and the last year are defining. Those in between are not.
How rare is the coin?
Young Head & Shield. Or Young Head & St George. Collectors have options when it comes to the Young Head Sovereigns series for they were produced using two different reverse dies ... the Shield design by J B Merlen. And that of St George and the Dragon designed by Benedetto Pistrucci. And to make matters more intriguing for today's collectors they were struck in vastly different numbers with mintages that were undisclosed.
It is an acknowledged fact that the Shield series of sovereigns, particularly those struck at the Melbourne Mint, boast the key (rare) dates of the Young Head series. The dates are '1880', '1886' and this coin, ‘1887’.
History confirms the extreme rarity of the Melbourne Mint's 1887 Young Head Shield Sovereign (1887M).
Noble Numismatics is Australia’s largest Auction House holding three auctions annually each comprised of about 3000 lots.
Their auctions provide a plethora of invaluable information on prices realised and importantly, the frequency of sightings ... how often a coin can realistically be expected to appear on the market.
We note that:
- Only three Uncirculated 1887M Young Head Shield Sovereigns have been offered at Nobles over the last ten years!
- The most recent sale was in 2019 for $21,500. The pre-auction estimate was $12,500. And the coin on offer here is far superior.
- Confirming the rarity of the 1887M across all quality levels, on average just one 1887 Melbourne Mint Young Head Shield Sovereign is offered at Nobles annually.