Australia 1880 Sydney Half Sovereign PCGS AU53
- S-3862D Cross not buried
- Toothed denticled reverse rim
Finally, a high grade version of this rare half sovereign variant has been acquired. Clear die markings are now available to confirm with other examples of this date that it is a single die variant. This coin is third finest grade for the date and variety. This coin’s colour also suggests that the metal mix is not typical gold & copper – more research required.
The Royal Mint cease producing the type 3 reverse in 1880 as it constantly tinkered with the die to improve half sovereign production. More information can be found in the following article on another single die type – 1882 Melbourne:
https://topendcoins.com.au/2020/04/25/the-6th-head-half-sovereign/
Want to learn more about half sovereigns? Try the Top End Coin’s Library of Essential Reading.
