Coin
Maker & role
W Wyon (active 1851), Designer; Mr J.B. Merlen, Designer
Production date
1880
Object detail
Production place
Collection
Measurements
Diam: 2.1cm (Diam: 21mm)
Production notes
Merlen designed the shield on the reverse of sovereign and Wyon the obverse design.
Signature & marks
Embossed text obverse of coin; 'VICTORIA DEI GRATIA 1880' . Below head truncation 'W.W'.
Embossed text reverse of coin; 'REGINA FID : DEF : BRITANNIARUM'. Below the shield; 'S'.
Embossed text reverse of coin; 'REGINA FID : DEF : BRITANNIARUM'. Below the shield; 'S'.
Credit line
Purchase, 2004
The Mint Collection, Museums of History New South Wales
The Mint Collection, Museums of History New South Wales
Description
The Sydney Branch of the Royal Mint commenced operation in May 1855, producing gold sovereigns and half sovereigns as an Australian currency. These continued to be produced until the Mint closed in 1926. From 1855-1870 these coins had a unique design however after 1870 they became identical to British sovereigns. This sovereign, a Queen Victoria Young Head and reverse design of a shield, was in production from 1871 to 1887. This coin is marked “S” for the Sydney Mint and is graded numismatically as bullion quality.
Accession number
MIN2005/8
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Contact Us
Head Office
The Mint, 10 Macquarie St
Sydney, NSW 2000
On Gadigal land
T 02 8239 2288
TTY 02 8239 2377
E info@mhnsw.au
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