2020 Perth Mint Sovereign Gold Proof Coin

Australia’s gold rush of the 1850s unearthed vast quantities of precious metal. To turn this enormous wealth into coinage, the first overseas branch of Britain’s Royal Mint was opened in Sydney, capital of New South Wales, in 1855. Enjoying a privilege historically reserved for the mother mint in London, it was empowered to turn gold into official coins called sovereigns.

In the early years of production, Sydney sovereigns were differentiated from London’s ‘Imperial’ versions by alternative obverse and reverse designs. Created by Leonard Charles Wyon, one of the famous dynasty of 19th century engravers, the Sydney Type I reverse featured elements representing radical departures from tradition.

For the first time the denomination ‘ONE SOVEREIGN’ was included on the reverse which also comprised depictions of St Edward's Crown and a laurel wreath. The word ‘AUSTRALIA’ was prominently positioned, even though this was a geographical concept at the time rather than today’s fully-fledged nation. To underline the point that these coins were not struck in London, ‘SYDNEY MINT’ was also incorporated in the ‘colonial’ design.

Sovereigns bearing this reverse were produced until 1870, after which all Australian-made versions featured Imperial designs with the addition of a small mintmark.

This commemorative proof coin celebrates the 165th anniversary of Australia’s first sovereign, the historic 1855 Sydney Mint sovereign coin designed by Royal Mint Engraver Leonard Charles Wyon, which was the first coin to be produced at The Sydney Mint in 1855.

The coin is struck by The Perth Mint from 91.67% pure gold

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

The Perth Mint will release no more than 950 of the Australia Sovereign 2020 Gold Proof Coin in this packaging.