Lot 832

Description

Port Phillip Kangaroo Office, 1873, in brass (22mm), obverse, aboriginal head by Julius Hogarth (I.H.on truncation), Ex. Rex Australia / 1873, reverse, half ounce Kangaroo Office 1853. Good extremely fine and possibly unique.

The impession of the obverse of the Kangaroo Office half ounce die is in near mint condition albeit with minor rust pitting, consistent with having been struck in 1873. This die was used to strike six pieces with Coat of Arms reverse in the early 1900s, however by that time badly rusted and cracked after two strikings. This specimen apparently is unique in being the only impression of this aboriginal die (Ex.Rex.Australia) by Julius Hogarth. See article by Ray Jewell in the 'Australian Numismatist', March 1963, Vol 17, No.9.