The Perth Mint 1899 Half-Sovereign - A rare treasure
The Perth Mint 1899 Half Sovereign is one of Australia’s rarest pre-decimal coins. Struck as a Coin of Record, no other example is known of in private collections or institutions worldwide, including The Perth Mint.
In November 1898, London’s Royal Mint dispatched 1899 sovereign and half-sovereign dies to its new Perth branch. After formally opening on 20 June 1899, official records show only sovereign coins were minted for circulation that year.
This Coin of Record, not intended for circulation, would have been produced at the discretion of the Deputy Master.
It is tangible evidence that the production of half-sovereigns was also perfected in our first year of operation. Authenticated by The Royal Mint in 1985, the coin’s brilliant quality reflects the exceptional craftsmanship The Perth Mint continues to be renowned for today.
What is a Coin of Record?
A Coin of Record is a coin that has been produced to the highest quality as an example of that coin. They were usually minted at the request of the Deputy Master and were not intended for circulation or commercial gain.
Usually, only a very small number were produced. Some mints retain them as archive coins; however, The Perth Mint sadly did not keep an archive of sovereign and half-sovereign coins.
Specimen Coins of Record were often presented to museums, other public institutions, government representatives and other dignitaries, and could be used for display at exhibition.
Over the years, some of these rare coins have made their way into the collector market. Records of the movement of these coins can be difficult to trace.
Coins of Record for The Perth Mint are very rare. Coinworks Managing Director Belinda Downie says: “The gold Coins of Record of The Perth Mint, 1899 to 1931, have influence, power, and a world-wide reputation as the least available sector of the entire Australian rare coin market.”
The only known Coins of Record of The Perth Mint in the collector market are:
- 1 x 1899 sovereign
- 1 x 1899 half sovereign
- 2 x 1901 sovereigns
- 1 x 1901 half sovereign
- 2 x 1931 sovereigns
Natasha Fenner, Curator at The Perth Mint says: “We are honoured to welcome this historic coin home.”
“It is a rare opportunity for the public to view the earliest half sovereign made in Perth and appreciate the skills of our founding craftspeople.”
A rare treasure for private sale
Produced more than 125 years ago, The Perth Mint 1899 Half-Sovereign will be on temporary display exclusively at The Perth Mint until 13 August 2025.
This display has been made possible by Coinworks, specialists in rare pre-decimal Australian coinage.
Coinworks are proud to be offering this historic coin for private sale. For enquiries, contact (03) 9642 3133.
