Australia's gold proof coins are highly respected. 

Australia has some of the rarest and most beautiful coins you could imagine, particularly in the proof gold sovereign and proof half sovereign sector. The coins are prestigious. They inspire respect and admiration.

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.

Proof coins are by definition, extremely rare and their scarcity is a natural draw card. In some respect, proof coin collectors are playing it smart because the inherent rarity of proof coinage provides a level of assurance that the market will never be inundated with examples, protecting their investment.

Local buyers have always had confidence in this sector of the market simply because of the quality and extreme rarity of the coins.

But another layer of confidence has been added to the Australian rare coin market.

In 2021, international collectors began buying up Australia’s proof sovereigns and half sovereigns outbidding local collectors.

The buying spree continued in 2022 and again, quite recently in Zurich, where a Young Head Proof Sovereign sold at auction knocking out Australian bidders.

Demand has increased. And supplies are still as restricted as ever. This is the perfect climate for price growth.

Proof 1894 Sovereign

This Proof 1894 Sovereign was first offered at auction in 1903 by Sotheby, Wilkinson & Hodge in the sale of the John G Murdoch Collection. The coin was later offered at Glendinings London in 1974.

Proof 1894 Sovereign

While two examples of the Proof 1894 Sovereign are known, both owned by Murdoch and offered in 1903, this is the only example to be sighted on the market. No other coins out of the original mintage have been seen.

Proof 1894 Half Sovereign

This Melbourne Mint Proof 1894 Half Sovereign was first offered at auction in 1903 by Sotheby, Wilkinson & Hodge in the liquidation off the collection of British music industry entrepreneur,  John G Murdoch.

Proof 1894 Half Sovereign

Three examples of the Proof 1894 Half Sovereign are known, two of which were owned by John G Murdoch and offered in 1903.