Lot 1381

Description

Queen Victoria, Perth mint proof or specimen half sovereign 1899. A proof- like specimen with full brilliant mint bloom, FDC and unique.

Ex S.V Hagley collection, Spink Australia sale 17 (lot 1046) and the R.G. & C. Pratley collection (lot 558). The Perth mint, which opened in 1899, issued a coinage of sovereigns that year, however, it did not issue a coinage of half sovereigns. Even though as time ran out dies had been prepared. It was not until the following year, 1900 that a coinage of half sovereigns was issued by the Perth branch of the Royal Mint. The late Syd Hagley obtained this unique specimen in the late 1940's along with a proof sovereign of 1899.