Unique 1910 Edward VII Proof Sovereign struck as a Coin of Record at the Melbourne Mint - NOW SOLD
This Edward VII 1910 Proof Sovereign has a level of excellence and exclusivity that inspires widespread admiration. The coin is a celebration of the Melbourne Mint’s achievements in crafting perfection in gold. And it is unique. It represents the very best in its class.
We estimate that one thousand collectors can own a 1930 Penny. Perhaps nineteen collectors can own a veiled head proof sovereign. But only two collectors can ever own an Edward VII proof sovereign, this coin one of the two. The importance of this offer cannot be overstated.
Excerpts from our report on the Melbourne Mint proofs (in the view more section) confirm its unique status and the extreme rarity of Edward VII proofs.
When the Royal Mint London or the British Museum requested a sovereign or half sovereign from an Australian Mint, they were never sent a circulation strike. They were sent a specially crafted presentation piece.
Nor would a circulation strike be presented to the monarch, gifted to a dignitary or sent to an influential collector. And a circulation strike would not be displayed at a Colonial Exhibition. Again, an individually crafted presentation piece would be specially created for the occasion.
The technical term for such a piece is 'Coin of Record'.
A Coin of Record is an artistic interpretation of coinage, a strikingly beautiful coin beyond ordinary currency. Individually crafted to standards far exceeding that required of a circulating coin, minted with a proof or specimen finish and created using special coining techniques. Whereas production of circulating coinage was dictated by Government, Coins of Record were struck at the discretion of the mint master.
Coins of Record were not produced every year and, as they were individually crafted, the process was time consuming and the mintages minuscule. For gold proofs, generally ten pieces or less. There were several occasions when only a single coin was struck.
Coins of Record of Australia's sovereigns and half sovereigns are visually stunning, distinguished by brilliant golden-mirror surfaces. And it is their beauty and their ultra-exclusivity that drives demand.
The market for Australia's gold Coins of Record was effectively established in London, in 1903, and continues to this very day right across the globe.
Recent international auction results confirm their status as a globally traded commodity, the frosted proofs of the Melbourne MInt in particular, keenly sought after by American collectors.
The Coins of Record of Australia's proof sovereigns and proof half sovereigns are the crown jewels of coinage, adding glamour and exceptionality to any collection!
The Melbourne Mint opened in 1872 as a branch of the Royal Mint London, its main function to produce gold sovereigns and half sovereigns. Its gold coin production ceased in 1931.
Three monarchs reigned between 1872 and 1931, Queen Victoria, King Edward VII and George V.
The Melbourne Mint struck Coins of Record sporadically. Of the record pieces that were produced, those of Edward VII are the least available for collectors. (Confirmed in our chart below.)
John G. Murdoch was an influential British collector. He developed a strong business relationship with the Melbourne Mint and was one of the few collectors that was regularly supplied Coins of Record from 1884 until 1901, through the Young Head, Jubilee and Veiled era of Queen Victoria.
The market for Australia’s proof gold coins is international and it is dynamic. Without the involvement of John G. Murdoch, Australia's gold Coins of Record may never have seen the light of day, permanently stored in Government archives and out of reach of collectors.
Murdoch single-handedly created a market by taking Australian gold proofs into the buy/sell environment of collectors. And he struck a perfect balance with the market (then and today) with the quantities he held.
The coins moved onto the international stage when Murdoch's collection was liquidated via Sotheby, Wilkinson & Hodge in London in 1903 following his passing in 1902.
Murdoch's death in 1902 had a dramatic impact on production of Coins of Record at the Melbourne Mint.
Technically, it fell off a cliff.
Only one Melbourne Mint 1902 Proof Sovereign is known. Formerly held by the South Africa Mint (a temporary branch of the Royal Mint, 1923 - 1941) it is now held by a private collector.
No 1902 Proof Half Sovereigns are known.
And one example of the 1910 Proof Sovereign is privately held, formerly owned by Ross Pratley and Barrie Winsor, both leading gold coin specialists. (This coin)
The proofs of Edward VII are characterised by extreme scarcity. Proofs were only struck in two years and of each, only one example is known.
The proofs of Edward VII are further characterised by extreme beauty.
The Melbourne Mint reached its zenith in proof gold coining during the era of Edward VII, the depth of design of both the 1902 and 1910 Proof Sovereigns is magnificent, sculpted, three dimensional. The fields are like golden mirrors.
Unique 1910 Edward VII Proof Sovereign struck as a Coin of Record at the Melbourne Mint.
Superb FDC
Price: $135,000
This Edward VII 1910 Proof Sovereign has a level of excellence and exclusivity that inspires widespread admiration.
The coin is a celebration of the Melbourne Mint’s achievements in crafting perfection in gold. And it is unique. It represents the very best in its class.
The proofs of Edward VII are characterised by extreme scarcity. Proofs were only struck in two years and of each, only one example is known.
The proofs of Edward VII are further characterised by extreme beauty. The Melbourne Mint reached its zenith in proof gold coining during the era of Edward VII, the depth of design of both the 1902 and 1910 Proof Sovereigns is magnificent, sculpted, three dimensional. The fields are like golden mirrors.
We estimate that one thousand collectors can own a 1930 Penny. Perhaps nineteen collectors can own a veiled head proof sovereign. But only two collectors can ever own an Edward VII proof sovereign, this coin one of the two.
The importance of this offer cannot be overstated.
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