2016 Perth Mint Sovereign Gold Proof Coin

The discovery of payable gold in the colony of New South Wales in 1851 lay behind the establishment of the Sydney branch of the Royal Mint, which opened on 14 May 1855. The Sydney Mint produced its first Type I sovereign, featuring a unique ‘colonial’ design, on 23 June.

There ensued an unbroken 76-year history of gold sovereign production in Australia. Over 400 million coins were created in Sydney, and at Royal Mint branches opened later in Melbourne and Perth. From 1871 the coins featured Imperial designs with the addition of ‘S’, ‘M’ or ‘P’ mintmarks respectfully, to identify their place of manufacture. The various combinations of these features and monarchs means that today’s collectors must find almost 200 different Australian sovereigns to complete a set.

Customising the original Sydney Mint Sovereign to read Perth Mint, this coin represents a modern adaptation of this important part of Australia’s history.
Made with meticulous attention to detail, the 2016 coin is struck from traditional 91.67% pure gold (22-carat) in supreme proof quality.

The coin is housed in a prestigious wooden presentation case with superbly illustrated shipper and wrap, accompanied by a numbered Certificate of Authenticity.

No more than 1,500 of these 2016 Australia Sovereign Gold Proof Coins will be released by The Perth Mint.