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Downies Rarities Page
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Welcome to Downies Rarities Page where you will find a formidable array of Australian rarities for your consideration.
On offer is a magnificent 1935 Melbourne Penny & Halfpenny Proof Pair rarely seen in such superb condition, a 1937
Crown Proof FDC, which for me is perhaps the finest I have seen and a 1813 NSW Dump in nearVF condition. There is
also a 1930 Penny in gFine condition on offer along with a lovely Proclamation Johanna and a 1922/21 3d overdate in VG.
If you require any further information on any of the items offered please contact Paul Ratcliffe our Rare Coin
& Banknote Specialist by filling out our Rarities Enquiry Form. Paul would be happy to provide advice on any potential purchases,
current market conditions and answer any questions you might have relating to rare coins and banknotes.
Rarities Online Enquiry Form
If you would like to receive a copy of our monthly magazine follow the link below.
Rarities Catalogue Request Form
Click here to download a PDF version of the latest issue of Highly Important Coins and Banknotes.
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AM985 – 1935 Halfpenny & Penny Proof Pair FDC
A$59,000
Predecimal Proofs are the finest quality predecimal coins available, double struck to raise the detail especially sharp, with a distinct mirror quality finish. This series is still considered by those in the industry to be grossly undervalued relative to their decimal counterparts and is an area of the market that has proved to be extremely lucrative for investors.
With less than 100 pairs available the 1935 Melbourne Proof copper pair is a rarity in every sense. Today’s market recognises that copper proofs are notoriously tough to acquire in top quality and fetch strong premiums whenever they become available. We believe the 1935 Proof pair is appropriate for inclusion in any coin or investment portfolio with a medium to long term outlook. It should be noted that in year 2000 the 1935 Proof pair catalogued at $12,000.
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AM389 – 1937 Crown Proof FDC
A$42,000
The term ‘Proof’ is used to describe collector coins minted using special methods. Only choice blanks are chosen and polished to an unimaginable shine, then struck with especially prepared and hardened dies, producing a top quality finish.
Commercial production of Proof coins is accepted today as nothing unusual with both the Royal Australian Mint and the Perth Mint producing millions of dollars worth of Proof coins annually. Pre–1955 however, there was no consistent commercial production of coinage for collectors, with the prime concern of the mints to produce coinage for general circulation. Proof coins therefore were only struck sporadically throughout this period mainly to present as gifts to other mints, museums and dignitaries.
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The 1937 Crown was the only Australian coin struck and issued for circulation in 1937 and was often referred to as the Five Shilling Piece. King Edward’s accession to the throne in 1936 triggered a complete overhaul of Australia’s currency designs with the new obverse designs. It was also an opportunity to pursue changes to the reverse designs where a much stronger Australian theme was desired.
The striking of four other coins was originally planned in 1937, the 1d, 3d, 1/– & 2/– but when Edward VIII abdicated the throne before his coronation, plans to strike these coins were abandoned. This meant that the only coin struck in 1937 became the 5/– or Crown, as it became better known. The 1937 Crown Proof was struck to a mintage of only 100 and released to the collector public in celebration of the coronation of George VI. In year 2000 this 1937 Proof Crown catalogued at $9,500.
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AN513 – Brazil 1732M John V Gold One Johanna Very Fine Plus
A$8,750
Famous through inclusion in Australia’s first official currency system, the Proclamation of 1800, Portugal’s 1722–32 Gold Johanna is part of the bedrock upon which Australian numismatics has been built. With one original example in stock this is your chance to add a great rarity to your collection or portfolio.
Struck in Portugal and in the Portuguese colony of Brazil, the Gold Johanna was produced for just a decade. Comprising nearly one ounce of gold, it was accepted worldwide as a trade coin, circulating in the colonies in the years after settlement in 1788. Governor King placed a value of £4 on the Johanna in his Proclamation of 1800.
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AG629 – 1930 Penny Good Fine
A$29,500
Well known both within and outside the Numismatic Fraternity, the 1930 Penny is Australia’s most desirable coin. The ultimate collector acquisition, and manna from heaven for the sharp–eyed investor, this Australian icon is a rarity of world standing.
With the Melbourne Mint never intending to strike pennies in 1930, the existence of the type is attributed to the accidental issue of coins struck during die testing. It is believed 3,000 coins were struck. With only half that number still in existence.
The rarity has driven the value of the 1930 Penny to breathtaking heights. A Good Fine example has risen from $13,500 in 1999 to approximately $31,000 today.
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AO437 – NSW 1813 15 Pence Silver Dump Type A/1 Near Very Fine
A$54,500
One of the first two coin types struck on Australian shores, the 1813 NSW Silver Dump represents an inspiring fusion of extreme rarity and rich colonial history. Among Australia’s highest profile rarities, this iconic partner to the 1813 NSW Holey Dollar forms part of the bedrock upon which Australian numismatics has been built.
The 1813 NSW Holey Dollar and Dump were part of a clever attempt by Governor Lachlan Macquarie to keep currency in the colony. Macquarie procured 40,000 Spanish Silver Dollars from India, worth Five Shillings apiece, and had the centre punched from each coin. Counter–struck with new denominations, the Holey Dollar was given a value of 5 Shillings, with the centre, the Dump, set at 15 Pence.
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Macquarie thus increased the value of the original Spanish Silver Dollar by 25%, as well as doubled the number of coins from 40,000 to 80,000. The lifeblood of the economy until the 1820’s, most were swapped for British currency when legal tender status was withdrawn in 1829. Less than 1,000 Dumps are believed to exist today.
Offered just a few times each year, and always snapped up regardless of the grade. We have just one Near Very Fine example of the A/1 Type available. Immensely rare in this grade the NSW 1813 Silver Dump has soared in value. A Near Very Fine example has risen from $8,500 in year 2000 to $55,000 today.
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AM852 – 1922/21 Threepence Overdate Very Good
A$8,500
The most desirable predecimal overdate, the 1922/21 Overdate Threepence is a crucial acquisition. The 1922/21 Overdate is usually found in poor grade with a shallow strike and high circulation rendering most well worn. An intriguing reversal of the normal state of affairs where the higher the grade, the faster the price growth. It is clear that it is in lower grade that this coin has the greatest potential. Whilst higher grade examples have risen in value, the lower grade has jumped by an even larger margin.
There is much debate as to why, and how, the Melbourne Mint modified one of its 1921 working dies for use in 1922, but there’s no argument about the importance of this coin. Known by no more than 900 examples, this distinctive coin is a rarity of the highest order. With fierce competition for the few available, the price has soared, rising from $3,750 in 2005 to $8,500 today in Very Good condition.
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AH010 – 1938 Crown Unc
A$895
The Crown, Australia’s largest predecimal coin – was only struck in two years, 1937 and 1938. Measuring 38.5mm and weighing nearly 1oz. the sterling silver Five Shilling was Australia’s highest predecimal denomination.
Struck at the Melbourne Mint and intended to honour the coronation of George VI after his brother’s abdication. The crown struggled for public acceptance due to its size and weight. Ironically during the 1960’s and 70’s the crown was much sought after to go into the melting pot due to the soaring silver prices.
Final mintage figures for the 1938 Crown was 101,600.
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Rarities Online Enquiry Form
If you require any further information on any of the items offered please contact Paul Ratcliffe our Rare Coin
& Banknote Specialist by filling in our Rarities Online Enquiry Form.
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