Australia 1880-S 1/2 sovereign
This specimen was lot 32133 in Heritage sale 3106 (New York, January 2023), where it sold for $8,400. The catalog description[1] noted,
"Australia: Victoria gold 1/2 Sovereign 1880-S AU58 NGC, Sydney mint. Variety with cross buried, round reverse denticles, and Arabic 1 for "I" in "REGINA." From the purported initial mintage of 80,000, a minuscule number have survived in any meaningful condition. This specimen currently ranks as the sole occupant of the highest technical grade across PCGS and NGC. Lovely struck details, glittering peripheral luster, and the gentlest wear leave this example with commendable visual appeal, presenting a rare opportunity for the dedicated 1/2 Sovereign collector."
While this type is moderately priced in well circulated condition, nice specimens are few and expensive. The type was struck 1871-87 and, unlike the full sovereigns, none were made with the St. George and the dragon design on the reverse. Melbourne began striking half sovereigns in 1873.
Recorded mintage: 80,000.
Specification: 3.99 g, 0.917 fine gold.
Catalog reference: Fr-13, KM 5, S-3863E, Marsh-464C (R3).
- Friedberg, Arthur L. and Ira S. Friedberg, Gold Coins of the World, From Ancient Times to the Present, 9th ed., Clifton, NJ: Coin and Currency Institute, 2017.
- McDonald, Greg, The Pocket Guide to Australian Coins and Banknotes, 23rd ed., Lavington, Australia, 2017.
- Pitt, Michael, ed., Renniks Australian Coin and Banknote Values, 32nd Edition, Matraville, New South Wales, Australia: Renniks Publications, 2023.
- Michael, Thomas, and Tracy L. Schmidt, Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1801-1900, 9th ed., Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 2019.
- Skingley, Philip, ed., Standard Catalogue of British Coins: Coins of England & the United Kingdom, 46th edition, London: Spink & Son, 2011.
- [1]Cristiano Bierrenbach, Warren Tucker and Sam Spiegel, 2023 January 9 NYINC World & Ancient Coins Platinum Session and Signature® Auction - New York #3105, Dallas, TX: Heritage Auction Galleries, 2022.
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