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Unique pair of Proof 1893 Sovereign and Proof 1893 Half Sovereign, struck as Coins of Record at the Sydney Mint.


70668-Header-b-Proof-Pair-1893-Sovereign-and-Half-Sovereign-June-2023
Unique pair of Proof 1893 Sovereign and Proof 1893 Half Sovereign, struck as Coins of Record at the Sydney Mint.
COIN
Unique pair of Proof 1893 Sovereign and Proof 1893 Half Sovereign, struck as Coins of Record at the Sydney Mint.
PRICE
Sovereign • $110,000 Half Sovereign • $110,000. Available as a pair • $200,000
STATUS
SOLD 24/10/2023
QUALITY
Luxurious gold proofs, FDC, brilliant and flawless
PROVENANCE
Barrie Winsor, Private Collection Melbourne
COMMENTS
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.
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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 in 2023 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.


70668-SQ-Proof-1893-Sovereign-Rev-June-2023

Proof 1893 Sovereign struck with the plain edge

70668-SQ-Proof-1893-Sovereign-Obv-June-2023

Proof 1893 Sovereign struck with the plain edge


70668-SQ-Proof-1893-Half-Sovereign-Rev-June-2023

Proof 1893 Half Sovereign struck with the plain edge

70668-SQ-Proof-1893-Half-Sovereign-Obv-June-2023

Proof 1893 Half Sovereign struck with the plain edge

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