Australia 1891-S 1/2 sovereign
This specimen was lot 32136 in Heritage sale 3105 (New York, January 2023), where it sold for $1,860. The catalog description[1] noted, "Australia: Victoria gold 1/2 Sovereign 1891-S MS61 NGC, Sydney mint. JEB initials on truncation of neck variety. A scarce variety we have yet to handle that is four times rarer than its base type, with Marsh supposing mintage figures around 23,000. This handsome rendition, though defined by gentle friction to Victoria's "Jubilee" bust, endures framed in ample residual luster that traverses the peripheries. Highly engaging and certain to entice the Australian gold specialist. Ex. Quartermaster Collection (Monetarium, Australia June 2009, Lot 276); Reserve Bank of Australia Sale (Downies Auction, November 2005, Lot 780)." While this type is moderately priced in well circulated condition, nice specimens are few and expensive. The type was struck 1887-93 at Sydney and Melbourne.
Recorded mintage: 154,000 (with and without "JEB").
Specification: 3.99 g, 0.917 fine gold.
Catalog reference: Fr-22, KM 9, S-3871C, Marsh-487A (R4).
- 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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