1852 Adelaide Pound Type II PCGS MS63 (Choice Uncirculated)
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Specifications
Delivery and Shipping
Delivery and Shipping
For In Stock items, our estimated delivery time is 2–3 weeks within Australia and 3–6 weeks internationally.
Orders are typically dispatched within 14 days of purchase, subject to payment confirmation, stock availability and any required processing.
Every order is carefully packed by our experienced fulfilment team using secure packaging designed to help protect your collectables during transit. Tracking details will be provided once your order has been dispatched.
Australia’s first gold coin – in Choice Unc!
Among Australia’s highest profile rarities, standing proudly alongside the 1930 Penny and 1813 Holey Dollar, the 1852 Adelaide Pound is desirable in any condition. An astonishing opportunity, Downies is delighted to present one of the finest Adelaide Pounds we have offered in our 90+ years in the industry. Notable for razor-sharp detail in the designs, and underpinned by a rich, golden lustre, the 1852 Adelaide Pound before you is in Choice Uncirculated condition!
Gold Rush – crisis in South Australia!
A truly great Australian rarity, and a genuine artefact of the colonial period, the 1852 Adelaide Pound was born as a direct result of the Gold Rush. After the discovery of gold in Victoria in 1851, thousands flocked to the goldfields, abandoning their families, homes and jobs. Those who deserted South Australia in a bid to strike it rich in the east took a huge amount of hard cash with them, and, faced with both a currency crisis and a labour shortage, the fledgling colony stood on the cusp of ruin.
The saviour of the colony!
An admirable example of Australian ingenuity, South Australian authorities came up with an inspired plan to meet the crisis – the Adelaide Pound. Acting without Royal Assent, the government passed an amendment to the Bullion Act in 1852, authorising that the Adelaide Pound be rushed into production as an ‘emergency currency’ issue. Nearly 25,000 examples of the 1852 Adelaide Pound were struck from November 1852 until February 1853, and the injection of currency saved the colony from disaster.
Known by approximately 200 examples…
As for the coin itself, the fate of the Adelaide Pound was sealed by a rise in the price of gold. At one point containing gold worth nearly two shillings above face, most coins were melted down by profiteers for the intrinsic value. As a result, the 1852 Adelaide Pound is known by approximately 200 examples.
One of the finest we have offered…
The 1852 Adelaide Pound is one of the most important, most prestigious acquisitions the collector could make, irrespective of the grade. Officially assessed by leading independent 3rd party coin verifiers Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) at MS63 – the equivalent of Choice Uncirculated – the coin before you is a rarity of the highest order. Indeed, PCGS has only graded seven examples of the Adelaide Pound higher than MS63!
A coin of enormous eye-appeal, with the gorgeous golden lustre matched only by the exquisite detail in the designs – particularly apparent in the Crown on the obverse – an 1852 Adelaide Pound of this quality is sure to be snapped up at speed.
Don’t miss this golden opportunity – click add to cart now!
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