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That's exactly how it is and if you do not return the label from the crossed over coin - they will not update their census even though you send electronic proof of the cross over and a copy of the certificate. And you wonder why the census/population reports are overstated.

I believe you are wrong on this one.

Question - if the label was returned to you, did you send the label to the TPG that originally slabbed the coin before crossing it over? If not - they would not update their census or population numbers.

The Sydney Mint sovereigns issued between 1855 and 1870 were designed by James Wyon, cousin of William Wyon of the Royal Mint in England. Their original purpose was to just be used within New South Wales. After adoption by the other colonies, they were accepted in all of Australia and New Zealand. The British made them legal tender and mandated that all sovereigns no matter where they were minted, starting in 1871, would conform the to British standards (design and metal composition). The Royal Mint provided the dies to be used - as they did with the other branch mints that were opened.

Thanks JGenn. The mint originally opened in 1855. Prior to that it was the south wing of the hospital - known as the Rum hospital. The Sydney sovereigns went through a couple of design changes between 1855 and 1870. The Sydney mint used a similar portrait to the British portrait (first) of Queen Victoria in 1855 and 1856, referred to as type one, and the unquie reverse that spelled out Sydney and Australia. This is interesting because at the time, Australia was made up of six separate colonies and did not become the Commonwealth of Australia until 1901. In 1857 through 1870 the mint issued sovereigns, known as type two, with a unique obverse with Victoria wearing a local banksia wreath in her hair along with the unquie reverse. In 1871 all sovereigns were issued using the British standards only. From 1871 trough 1887, the mint issued sovereigns with both the shield and St. George reverses. From 1887 through 1893 the sovereigns were issued with Queen Victoia's Jubilee portrait and from 1893 through 1901 with Victoria's veiled or old head portrait. King Edward VII portrait was used between 1902 through 1910 and King George V's from 1911 through 1926. The mint closed in 1926. During that time some great rarities were minted - each having an interesting story of its own, The Sydney Mint sovereigns were favored in parts of the world because they contained a greater, although very slight, amount of gold compared to those minted in London and used silver as an alloy instead of copper (until 1868).

I agree that different alloys are insignificant and there is little in price difference between them. Comparing gold coins from different world mints is not the same as the example given above. Of course different coins from different mints may use different alloys and may have a different appearance. How many coins were issued from the same mint in the same year using different alloys, however? There is a clear difference that you can see between the two and historically one was favored over the other in certain parts of the world. Totally a different situation than comparing world coins that were issued from different mints and in the same or different years. Like I said - this is educational based upon numerous questions regarding the difference in appearance.

Let's hope next year's show will take place.

Sovereigns For Sale - photos provided upon request. PayPal and Shipping extra. 5% discount for forum members on certified coins. . 1871 S St. George reverse NGC XF 45 (Rare - key date) $550 1906 P NGC AU 55 (nice luster) $575 1915 P NGC AU 58 (nice luster) $600 1902 M PCGS MS 62 $650 Numerous raw Sovereigns 2-5% over spot depending on coin.

Die state analysis and the like will come in a later posts. This first post is merely educational due to the situation of minting the same year using two different alloys. I receive many questions regarding why there is a difference in appearance. When examing like coins - this should be one of the first things you notice if you conduct a side by side comparison.

Only three takers -- but instead of waiting until tomorrow... This was a kind of a trick question. It represents just one of many interesting facts about Australian sovereigns and sovereigns in general. Jason's answer is close and one that I was hoping would be hit upon. Some good eyes out there. The difference I am highlighting is the color or appearance. I picked the darkest and lightest examples in this particular grade on the heritage website to emphasize the point. Most are a little more subtle. The short answer is that the Sydney Mint struck 1868 dated sovereigns using silver as an alloy as they had done from the beginning of production/operations in 1855. The also struck 1868 sovereigns using copper as an alloy - as the British did in all of their sovereigns. This gave the 1868 sovereigns either a yellowish (silver) or a reddish (copper) look depending on which alloy they used. The Sydney Mint struck 1868 dated sovereigns well into 1869. There are no 1869 dated Australian sovereigns. This was the transition year for the Sydney Mint to start using copper as later, in 1870, was dictated by the British that all sovereigns would conform to the British standards.

What is the difference between these two coins? Both are 1868 Australian (Sydney Mint) sovereigns graded AU50. While there may be a few differences - I'm looking for one that should stand out to you. I'll give the answer a bit later. There is a very obvious difference, but many may overlook it or not consider it.

Neat story and remembrance. It would have been something if you could have had a conversation with Max (hypothetically of course). Just think of all the little tidbits you could have learned. Thanks for sharing.

Same thing with pre-1933 (MS) sovereigns. Good question.

The virtues or lack of by a designer shouldn't play into whether a design is good or not. The design should be judged on artistic standards alone.

Most of th mint's recent issues are horrible. It reminds me of the greeting card industry. That has gone down th toilet too.

That wàs my safe deposit box!

That may be quite difficult in this given climate. I agree - I would love to see something special for the anniversary.

I'm not sure if it's all the free time that people have right now because of the shutdowns or if it's all of the free money that is being handed out, or maybe it's to escape the current state of the Union - but I've been getting blown out of auctions lately, even on my strong bids. Have you notice the same?

I agree - 100%

Let's get back to the subject - who produced better designs. How do these artists compare to designs on modern coinage? Much better better equal not as good no where near as good?

Or the best - depending on what side of the coin you are on.

Completely slipped my mind - add Herman McNeil. thanks for reminding me.

A bit off topic, but which flying eagle do you like the best and least: St. Guadens Christen Gobrecht or Longacre?

Not the crime of the century, but maybe you can help - it might lead to other items worth much more. Date: 6/10/2020 Offense: Coins Recovered Location of offense: Los Angeles, CA Investigating Agency: California Highway Patrol Details: The West Los Angeles, California Highway Patrol arrested a suspect and during the inventory of the vehicle located a coin collection. CHP is requesting assistance in trying to locate a victim of a possible theft, burglary or robbery. The coins recovered were housed in vinyl flips with specific identifiers pictured below. The suspect resides in Inglewood, CA. Anyone with information contact: Officer Michael Nasir Badge #17096 mnasir@chp.ca.gov or Doug Davis 817-723-7231 Doug@numismaticcrimes.org This Crime Alert is intended to advise you of criminal activity that may affect you or your business. If you have questions or suspect information, call the issuing law enforcement agency. NCIC | numismaticcrimes.org Numismatic Crime Information Center | P.O. Box 14080, Arlington, TX 76094 Unsubscribe zboogie9@aol.com Update Profile | About Constant Contact Sent by doug@numismaticcrimes.org in collaboration with Try email marketing for free today!