1856 Sydney Mint Half Sovereign with pattern reverse

The half sovereign series features several varieties, with the 1856 half sovereign pattern reverse being the earliest. This particular variety is distinguished by the absence of a berry above the "L" in "HALF" on the reverse. Keen numismatists may also notice subtle differences in the leaf arrangements, making this a completely distinct reverse design from the standard Sydney Mint half sovereign. Fewer than a dozen examples have surfaced over the past decade. Rare in any condition.