1856 Sydney Mint Sovereign

In its second year of operation, the Sydney Mint manufactured 981,000 full gold sovereigns for circulation around the colony and for export. The coin saw extensive use in the coming years, with tens of thousands of example inevitably becoming underweight and melted (likely to begin life anew as a brand new sovereign). Today, the date (like the 1855) is considered scarce in all grades and rare in higher grades, despite its relatively high mintage. The example photographed above is an above average coin, with lustre in the devices, and great eye appeal. The hairlines are only just touched off. There is a small planchet flaw on the obverse, but this does not detract from the coin’s appearance or collectability. Scarce, and a well-priced example of one of Australia’s first sovereigns.