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Half Sovereign


Young Head Melbourne Mint (1881 - 1887)

This was the typical die design used by the Melbourne mint during the final run of the Young Head series, distinguishable by a crenulated reverse much like the Sydney mint Type VIII, most likely prepared from the same master die as the Melbourne mint produced the dies for Sydney, and was minted from 1881 to 1887 excluding the year 1883. The type is available in mint state with several premium examples from the Ballarat hoard turning up in 1978, most of which were dated 1882. The scarcest date in the series is the 1885 Melbourne or perhaps the 1881 Melbourne, coming from tiny mintages of 11,003 and 42,009 respectively, though excluding the 1882 Melbourne, most other dates are also extremely scarce and very difficult to acquire especially if sought in better condition.
 
Contents
Reverse Designer
J. B. Merlen
Obverse Designer
William Wyon
AGW
0.1177 oz
Size
19 mm
Composition
91.67% Gold
8.33% Copper
Bullion Value
$190.45
Reverse
Reverse

Obverse
Obverse

Business Strikes
Coin Mintage Average Circulated
1881-M 42,009 $1400
1882-M Standard Bust
Notes about Mintage

107,522
$310
1884-M 48,009 $350
1885-M 11,003 $950
1886-M 38,008 $700
1887-M Young Head
Notes about Mintage

64,013
$600

Proof Strikes
Coin Mintage Typical Handled
1884-M Proof 2 Known RARE
1886-M Proof Unknown RARE

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The values listed here are for average examples of the date. Coins in better condition will be worth many times the values listed here. For example, an average 1911 florin is worth around $50, but in choice uncirculated condition is worth about $15,000! To view valuations in higher grades, please click here to subscribe.




Glossary
  • die - A cylindrical punch with an inverted impression of a coin's design used to strike the coin
  • master die - A cylindrical punch with an impression of a coin's design used to strike the working dies of a coin
  • mint state - A state of a coin that shows no signs of circulation
  • mintage - The number of coins struck of a particular designation
  • reverse - The tails side of the coin

Numismatic Glossary - View the full glossary of numismatic terms.

Index