2005 Commemorative Proof Sovereign and Book
Major Numismatic Anniversary
Proof Quality 91.67% Pure Gold
Australian Legal Tender
Distinctive 'Colonial' Reverse
Presented in a new Sovereign Book
Strictly Limited Release
AUS $381.82
[US$346.11]
05G86AAA
2005 Commemorative Proof Sovereign and Book
Major Numismatic Anniversary
In celebration of the 150th anniversary of Australia's first sovereign, The Perth Mint has meticulously re-crafted the distinctive 'colonial' reverse of the Sydney Mint Type I sovereign on this 2005-dated Australian legal tender gold coin.
Proof Quality 91.67% Pure Gold
Like the original 1855 sovereign, it is struck from 91.67% pure gold. However, the new coin benefits from a magnificent proof quality finish.
Australian Legal Tender
Issued as legal tender under the Australian Currency Act 1965, the coin's obverse depicts the Ian Rank-Broadley effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
Historic Australian First
The first sovereigns to be produced outside London were made at the Sydney branch of the Royal Mint, which opened in response to the discovery of payable gold in New South Wales in 1851. These historic coins displayed a unique reverse design that has long fascinated numismatists and historians.
Distinctive 'Colonial' Reverse
The new coin depicts the Type I reverse, originally created by Leonard Charles Wyon, which portrays St Edward's crown and a laurel wreath. The inclusion of the denomination ONE SOVEREIGN was a radical departure from the traditional Imperial design. Likewise, the words SYDNEY MINT and AUSTRALIA had never been seen before - the latter referring to a geographical concept of the 19th century rather than an independent nation.
Presented in a new Sovereign Book
A limited edition of this new 2005 Commemorative Sovereign is housed in the hardcover of a new book titled Australia's Sovereigns. Written by sovereign specialist Andrew Crellin, it provides fascinating information about the many obverse and reverse designs that appeared on sovereigns produced from Australian gold by the Sydney, Melbourne and Perth branches of the Royal Mint between 1855 and 1931. Packed with illustrations and invaluable hints and tips for collectors, it also incorporates a numbered Certificate of Authenticity. The book is encased in a protective dust cover.
Strictly Limited Release
The Perth Mint will release just 7,500 of these proof quality 2005 Commemorative Sovereign and Book Collections.
AUS $381.82
[US$346.11]
05G86AAA
2005 Commemorative Proof Sovereign and Book