The first half sovereigns struck under Edward VII were struck in 1902 following his majesty's coronation featuring an uncrowned bust of Edward VII facing towards the right. The Type I
Reverse
The tails side of the coin
reverse is featured on Edward VII half sovereigns from 1902 to 1905 with Australian
Mint
a facility that produces coins
mint Pattern
A coin struck as a representation piece of a coin that never eventuated
patterns struck bearing the date of 1906. This design bears a smaller
Reverse
The tails side of the coin
reverse design and lacks designer's initial, B.P.
Approximately 375,000 half sovereigns were struck for this type making the type quite difficult to acquire, especially if sought in better condition. Typical
Mint state
A state of a coin that shows no signs of circulation
mint state examples grade MS61 to MS62 with examples above MS62 practically impossible to source in any date other than the 1902 Sydney though the Quartermaster sale did offer a 1903 Sydney which would have likely certified at MS64 or possibly higher that realized $5,486 (Monetarium, 2009). Of the series, the 1904 Perth is by far the toughest date to acquire being extremely rare above AU, while the 1903 Sydney is the most common date in general owing to the highest
Mintage
The number of coins struck of a particular designation
mintage, though the 1902 Sydney is much easier to acquire in the
Mint state
A state of a coin that shows no signs of circulation
mint state. This is due to a large hoard of
Mint state
A state of a coin that shows no signs of circulation
mint state 1902 Sydney half sovereigns distributed by Noble Numismatics. The 1902 Sydney has been sighted with two differing finishes, a brilliant finish and a matte finish. The brilliant finish is slightly scarcer in the upper grades while no distinction can be made in the circulated grades. Coming from a
Mintage
The number of coins struck of a particular designation
mintage of only 84,000, it is quite difficult to acquire with lower grade examples very rarely appearing on the market.
