1856 Sydney Mint Half Sovereign with Type II Reverse

Half sovereign collectors may be aware that there are several varieties across the series, especially amongst the earlier issues. One of the earliest varieties is the 1856 Sydney Mint half sovereign with no berry above the “L” of “HALF”, what numismatists call the Type II reverse. I have had only three examples in stock since 2008. While the exact number in existence is not known, it has to be low, if their market appearances are any indication. Scarce, and one to keep in the long run. Ex-Reserve Bank of Australia, November 2005, lot 531.