1882-M Truncated Bust Half Sovereign

This type was also issued in 1882, though it is unknown why the design was re-used again in 1882, possibly just a matter

Die

A cylindrical punch with an inverted impression of a coin's design used to strike the coin

 

die wear on the normal 1882 dies - the quantity available would seem to rule out it being a

Pattern

A coin struck as a representation piece of a coin that never eventuated

 

pattern or test striking. The type is known by about 500-750 examples with many in the upper grades, with a hoard of better grade examples being found in Ballarat. The Reserve Bank sale featured 5 premium examples of both 1882 types (Downies, 2005) which would seem to indicate that they are of similar rarity. I haven't found any evidence which would determine either type to be significantly rarer. I'd estimate there to be about 1,250 1882 Melbourne mint half sovereigns in total.

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