{"product_id":"1862-sydney-half-sovereign-minor-else-attractive-very-fine","title":"1859 Sydney Mint Half Sovereign Type II Very Fine with minor edge knocks","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"EN-US\"\u003ePart of Australia’s first Half Sovereign Series, and struck at Australia’s first official mint, the 1859 Sydney Mint Half Sovereign represents a compelling combination of rarity, beauty and rich colonial history. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"EN-US\"\u003eA genuine artefact of the Australian Gold Rush, the 1859 Sydney Mint Half Sovereign is a key element of the 1857-66 Sydney Mint Half Sovereign Type II Series. As with all Type II issues, the 1859 date is distinguished from the Type I by the radically different obverse. Designed by Leonard Wyon, of the famous Wyon family of engravers, the distinctively Australian portrait depicts Queen Victoria adorned with a Banksia diadem. Also typical of the Type II Series, the 1859 had a minuscule mintage. A mere 341,000 coins were struck! \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"EN-US\"\u003eBroadly speaking, Australian Half Sovereigns are scarce in any grade. This is in part due to the traditionally low mintages, with approximately one Half Sovereign struck for every ten Sovereigns. When you also factor in that, as a lower denomination, Half Sovereigns had a much higher circulation rate – particularly during the heady days of the Gold Rush – and it’s no surprise that they are tough-to-find today. The scarcity is exacerbated by the huge number of coins that have been melted down for the value of the gold. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"EN-US\"\u003eA wonderful opportunity, the 1859 Sydney Mint Half Sovereign before you is in better-than-usually-seen Very Fine condition, with a couple of minor edge knocks. A pleasing example, this important Gold Rush coin is unquestionably scarce in this condition. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"EN-US\"\u003eWith just one coin available, do not ignore this golden opportunity – click add to cart now! \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Downies Collectables","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":49184306266420,"sku":"42402","price":2250.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0843\/1815\/9156\/files\/42402-1.jpg?v=1787542824","url":"https:\/\/www.downies.com\/products\/1862-sydney-half-sovereign-minor-else-attractive-very-fine","provider":"Downies Collectables","version":"1.0","type":"link"}