A Look at the Australian Gold Sovereign

Australa has long been amoung the largest gold-producing nations in the world. This fact is reflected in the level of international demand for our gold coins, many numismatists regard gold sovereigns as the core of the Australian numismatic collector market.
The production of sovereigns is closely connected with Australia's history of the 19th and early 20th centuries, and sovereigns from this period represent the first Australian coins to form an extensive and cohesive series. Collectors are attracted to the range of collecting opportunities in the soverein market: they may collect by date, mint, portrait or reverse type. They may choose to collect coins priced at little more than their precious metal value or to specialise only in coins of the highest quality. This diversity is reassuring to investors seeking security through sound levels of underlying demand.
The Adelaid Pound Type II Minted by the Adelaide Assay Office in 1852

This coin was struck from the new die created because of the failure of the first "cracked" die. The coin differs from the Type I having a crenellated inner circle on the reverse. Although it is estimated that approximately 25,000 coins were struck, only a small number were issued and those were immediately withdrawn from circulation for two reasons. Firstly, the coins were discovered to have more than one pounds worth of gold and silver, and secondly, Royal assent was not forthcoming and the coins had to be melted. There is estimated to be less than a few hundred examples known today and the coin is considered Rare in any condition and Very Rare in high quality.
Queen Victoria Type I Portrait Sydney Mint Reverse " The First Australian Sovereigns" 1855

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Orignal From: A Look at the Australian Gold Sovereign