The Perth Mint 1899 Half Sovereign is one of Australia’s rarest pre-decimal coins. Struck as a Coin of Record, no other example is known of in private collections or institutions worldwide, including The Perth Mint. In November 1898, London’s Royal Mint dispatched 1899 sovereign and half-sovereign dies to its new Perth branch. After formally opening on 20 June 1899, official records show only sovereign coins were minted for circulation that year. This Coin of Record, not intended for circulation, would have been produced at the discretion of the Deputy Master. It is tangible evidence that the production of ... (full story)