The Rare Coin Catalogue 2010-03 part 1 of 2 Essentially Money

Q u alit y Coins and Bank n o t e s

March 2010

Proudly Presenting a Special Opportunity to Acquire One of the Most Illustrious Rarities of Australia’s 20th Century Coinage 1920 George V Melbourne Mint Star Pattern Shilling Extremely Rare Specimen Strike ~ Approximately Seven Known

A Blue Chip Investment of the Highest Calibre Price:

$345,000 ~ Extremely Rare

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{ See Page 3 for more details } Also inside this issue: Extremely Rare 1852 Adelaide Gold Pound Type 1 • Rare Australian Ten Shilling Notes Very Rare Australian Pre-Federation Notes • Rare Australian Early Decimal Star Notes • Quality George V World Coins Very Scarce George V Florins • Very Scarce Type 1 Specimen Notes • Rare Australian Pre-Decimal Proofs Rare Key Date Halfpennies • Very Scarce Australian Decimal Star Notes • Very Rare NZ Specimen Notes and more!

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How to Contact Us We provide our clients with these simple contact options:

Office and Showroom: Visit our offices and showrooms located in Albany and Perth or arrange an appointment at our Melbourne or Sydney offices. (See back of catalogue for details)

Personal Consultation: Our professional numismatic consultants are happy to assist you in person at any of our locations.

Alternatively you can arrange for a consultant to visit you at a time and place convenient to you.

Albany Brett Scott Fiona Stevenson Ron Scott Edward Armstrong

0408 921 916 0418 913 243 0417 954 464 0447 968 885

Perth Tom Bishop John Cunningham Colin Hughes Reynold Chamberlain Craig Mann

0417 936 861 0407 227 890 0439 600 026 0437 773 330 0448 882 291

Sydney John Brookes James Tham Nicholas Tham

0417 996 969 0439 946 658 0419 907 877

Phone: For all enquiries please call:

Freecall: 1800 641 633 (Aust. only)

W

The 1920 Star Pattern Shilling featured on the cover, is a major highlight for serious consideration as a premier investment item and in our professional opinion, holds sound future potential. This glorious silver Specimen strike is one of the classic rarities in Australia’s one shilling coin series, with only seven examples known to exist, boasting a rarity with few equals in the pre-decimal Pattern coin series.

Seldom seen at auction, this single rarity with visible pearl-like lustre and high definition, is a masterpiece certain to please in terms of beauty, quality and performance. A highly recommended acquisition for the discerning buyer of high profile Aussie rarities.

Another classic Aussie coin rarity, the 1852 Adelaide Gold Pound Type 1, shares the limelight with the 1920 Pattern Shilling this month as an equally elusive prize at auction sales in recent years. We are extremely pleased to present this magnificent example to potential buyers who have been waiting for an opportunity in the super rare Type 1 Adelaide pounds.

Buyers looking to invest in highly important coin rarities can be assured there can be no better examples than these fine pieces currently available anywhere in the marketplace.

As such these are exceptional opportunities in the making.

Banknotes continue to feature as firm favourites with many collectors and investors.

We have had the good fortune to make some astute acquisitions of late for clients looking for opportunities in this strong area of the market. Australian pre-Federation

Mail: You can mail any enquiries to: The Rare Coin Company PO Box 829 Albany WA 6331

Record Breaking Auction Results Put the Stars of Australian Numismatics Firmly in the Spotlight as World Class Investments

ith rarity and scarce quality being essential elements in successful numismatic investment today, we’re delighted to present some outstanding examples in choice material from all the top performing areas of the numismatic market this month.

Robert &Barbara Jackman

managing directors banknotes are becoming increasingly challenging to secure and continuing to attract consistent overall price growth.

For the growing number of clients seeking these splendid historical note issues for their portfolios, we’re pleased to offer four of the finest examples currently available.

With the many superb quality coin and banknote issues on offer this month, we assure clients these opportunities are extremely worthwhile investments in your future.

Now is the time to take full advantage of their current availability and price levels.

A fond goodbye from TRCC The Rare Coin Company would like to take this opportunity to wish Wayne Fernie all the best in his new career, having recently departed the company after 10 years of dedicated service as a professional numismatic consultant and Perth area manager. Wayne’s friendly and familiar face to the company will no doubt be fondly missed by the many valued clients he established strong relationships with over the years. Our sincere best wishes Wayne, from all the management and team at The Rare Coin Company.

Program of Shows & Events in March / April 2010

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Established as one of the elite of Australia’s rare coins, the 1920 Star Pattern Shilling struck at the Melbourne Mint, is amongst our country’s most valuable silver coins. Only three are known in private hands, while one is held in the Museum of Victoria and three at the Royal Mint, in London. One example offered at a major London auction in 2006 realised a record price. Another fetched a high price when sold at auction in 2005, having not surfaced for sale since 1988.

Darwin, NT

Brisbane & Caloundra, Qld

Albany, WA

Visiting Consultant

Visiting Consultant

Grand Coin & Banknote Show

Numismatic Consultant Ron Scott will be visiting from Wednesday March 24th and Thursday March 25th

Numismatic Consultant Colin Hughes will be visiting: Brisbane: Wed March 24th & Thurs March 25th Caloundra: Monday March 29th

Showcasing Popular Numismatic Collectables and Investment Quality Rarities

Discussing the compelling benefits of investing in rare coins and banknotes.

Discussing the compelling benefits of investing in rare coins and banknotes.

Please call to arrange an appointment.

Please call to arrange an appointment.

Phone Ron Scott on:

Phone Colin Hughes on:

Mobile: 0417 954 464

Mobile: 0439 600 026

April 23rd and 24th Albany Town Hall, York Street Friday April 23rd: 9.30am - 5.30pm Saturday April 24th: 9.30am - 5.30pm The Rare Coin Company will present an extensive range of numismatic items.

Building Wealth Through Rare Australian Coins and Banknotes • Albany 1800 641 633 • Perth 1800 811 120

1920 George V Star Shilling Pattern Specimen Strike

Extremely Rare ~ Approx Seven Known to Exist! { Actual Size }

Powerful Player in the World Numismatic Market While the rarity and quality of the Pattern Shilling is paramount to its price growth, it’s also the coins apparent status in the numismatic industry and fundamental role it has played in Australia’s history that has cemented its strong position on the world investment stage.

Such iconic Australian coins have demonstrated the ability to develop and showcase the industry. Their well documented past price performance demonstrates their reliability and strength in the market. The prominent sale prices achieved, reflect just how highly regarded they are. Their sheer rarity, reinforces their investment potential.

Price: $345,000

Silver Strikes a Chord with Investors

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Exceptional Craftsmanship Particular attention to detail was applied in the production of the 1920 pattern shilling.

It featured a design created from regular working dies as a preliminary sample of a potential circulating coin. This allowed the relevant coining authorities to analyse the chosen design, shape and metal used.

A Star is Born After World War I there was such a phenomenal rise in silver prices in the United Kingdom, that by 1920 the shilling was worth well above its face value. The situation was so dire that after hundreds of years of applying the .925 silver standard, the UK reduced the silver content of its coinage by half. Faced with a similar dilemma, Australia had new dies for the one shilling prepared by the Royal Mint, London

in March the same year. It would feature a star above the date to denote the intended reduction in the silver standard. Pattern shillings were struck to test the proposed change. However, by 1921 the bullion price of silver had dropped and the original .925 silver standard was retained until 1945.

The Australian Shilling The Australian shilling series commenced in 1910 with a single year of issue bearing the effigy of Edward VII, and was one of the first Commonwealth coins to circulate around the country. It was issued in various years until 1963 during the reigns of King George V and VI and Queen Elizabeth II. From 1910 to 1915 the series was minted in England, but by 1916 the Melbourne Mint had taken over striking most shillings.

• Melbourne (03) 9653 9412 • Sydney (02) 9089 8780 • Visit our website at: www.rarecoin.com.au

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Renowned 1852 Adelaide Assay Gold Coins a Dominant Force on the Numismatic Investment Front for almost 50 Years With only about 25 known to have survived from just 30 to 40 believed to have been produced, the eminent 1852 Adelaide Assay Office Type 1 Gold Pound, is highly revered for its incredible rarity and historical prominence and price performance. Adelaide Gold Ingots and Pounds were amongst the most prized items at the prestigious Quartermaster Gold Coin Collection auction held last year, attracting buyers from around the globe. Six extremely rare examples worth more than 800 times their weight in gold, sold for an amazing combined total of more than $1.5 million. Type 1 Pounds achieved excellent results, a trend that has continued over many years. In 2007, an example fetched top price at auction.

Choice Investment Opportunities Featuring One of the Finest Australian Pre-Decimal Examples Known Superior grade George V banknotes from Australia’s Commonwealth Pre-Decimal banknote series’ continue to prove heavy weights at auction, often realising far beyond their estimated sale prices. As one of the finest of its type known, the 1927 Ten Shilling presented here represents a key investment prospect. Banknotes, especially those produced in limited numbers during the 1930s depression, have also become prized assets due to their unquestionable rarity, quality, designs and historic worth.

A Supreme Example

The fascinating banknote offered here, featuring the Kell/ Heathershaw signature combination, was only issued for nine months between 1927 and 1928. It has been preserved in remarkably fine condition, which makes it an incredibly important example to acquire. This banknote also represents a significant era in Australia’s paper currency history. It belonged to a series that was quite involved with nine varieties produced over 10 years.

King George V was the first monarch to appear on Australian Commonwealth banknotes when the 1923 to 1933 Gold Bearing Series was released. Notes were issued from 10/- to £10, although the £20, £50, £100 and £1000 continued from the previous non-portrait series.

The design was known as the “Harrison Issue” in recognition of Australian Note and Stamp Printer T.S. Harrison. James Kell signed as Governor of the Commonwealth Bank and James. T. Heathershaw as Secretary to the Treasury.

1927 George V Kell / Heathershaw Ten Shilling Note Cat Ref: R6 • Grade: good Extremely Fine

Rare ~ One of the Finest Known!

Price: $78,000

1852 Victoria Adelaide Gold Pound ~ Type 1 Grade: about Uncirculated

Extremely Rare in this Grade { Actual Size }

Price: $480,000

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Highly Acclaimed Throughout The Numismatic Industry

A Symbol of Wealth and Prosperity Then and Now

Adelaide Assay Office coins are recognised as some of the most valuable assets and historically significant masterpieces of the rare coin world. Their exclusivity has made them a foremost investment item touting prime potential to deliver exceptional price growth.

Their long-term performance has been closely monitored over many decades. A Type 1 example valued at $64,000 in 1993 sold for $475,000 in recent years, while another valued at $400 in 1964 was revalued at $45,000 in 2006, clearly defining the investment might of this distinguished coin. This incomparable coin, struck in one ounce pure 22-carat gold, has become a premier asset amongst discerning investors seeking to significantly enhance their private investment portfolios.

The Adelaide pound not only represents a crucial period in South Australia’s steps towards economic independence in the 19th century, but also stands as a symbol of the wealth and prosperity of the times. To own one of these beautiful pieces today is symbolic in itself. Only a privileged few will ever have the opportunity to acquire such an iconic coin, indeed an extremely honoured position to be savoured.

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Australia’s First Unofficial Gold Coins

The Adelaide Assay Office Following gold discoveries in Victoria and New South Wales in the 1850s, many miners returned to Adelaide with large amounts of gold, but there was no way of assaying or converting it into cash. In response, the 1852 Bullion Act was hastily passed without Royal Assent, which

saw the Government Assay Office of South Australia established in Adelaide. Gold ingots initially produced proved unsuccessful. An amendment to the Act allowed for the issue of ten shilling, and one, two and five pound gold coins instead, but only dies for the one and five pound appear to have been prepared and the one pound was the only denomination minted.

The First Adelaide Pounds The limited number of coins produced from the first die for the Type 1 pound was due to a crack being discovered in the reverse die, which forced a new die to be prepared.

The designs were credited to local engraver and die-sinker Joshua Payne. The one pounds were only minted between September 1852 and February 1853, as their intrinsic value was worth more than their face value, and so most were melted down.

Building Wealth Through Rare Australian Coins and Banknotes • Albany 1800 641 633 • Perth 1800 811 120

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A Banknote of Great Significance Growing scarcity and rising demand has earned Pre-Decimals the enviable reputation of being one of the strongest performing areas in the entire Australian banknote series. The year 1933 heralded a major change in Australia’s banknotes, making them a historically significant issue to acquire.

With Australia’s departure from the Gold Standard, notes were no longer redeemable in gold. New ‘Legal Tender’ notes were issued with a blank oval to display the watermark profile of the Prince of Wales (later King Edward VIII). Introducing the Legal Tender series was part of the Commonwealth Government’s economic strategy to recover from the “Great Depression”.

1933 George V Riddle / Sheehan Ten Shilling Note Cat Ref: R9 • Grade: Uncirculated

Very Rare in this Grade

Price: $52,000 • Melbourne (03) 9653 9412 • Sydney (02) 9089 8780 • Visit our website at: www.rarecoin.com.au

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Prized Perth Pre-Federation Classics, including an Issued Note Extremely Rare in its Grade

Unique and Scarce Colonial Specimens Provide Key Opportunities to Diversify Investment Portfolios

Colonial paper money has emerged as one of the main areas of numismatic investing in recent decades.

Choice examples extremely rare in their grade or featuring sought-after domiciles, often easily exceed sales estimates.

Discerning buyers have shown they are prepared to pay a premium to secure the best material. The prospect of a tangible, liquid asset that is in high demand and limited supply and reveals a strong performance record, has inspired smart punters.

The two stunning Specimens offered here highlight the very reasons why Australian trading banknotes are in such high demand and have achieved consistently strong price growth. Revealing magnificent artwork and engraving, the 18-- example is the only one of its kind. It is a tremendous asset with excellent potential for substantial growth and an extraordinary piece of Australian history. The beautifully preserved Five Pound Specimen is another Colonial marvel destined for great things.

An Extremely Rare Opportunity ~ Less than 10 Known

Exclusivity Heightens Demand

More and more investors with Self-Managed Super Funds are turning to rare banknotes as a lucrative and safer alternative to traditional investments. This has led to heightened activity in the market as buyers keen to capitalise on the undeniable benefits of numismatic investing, compete for premium material. The market’s strength is reflected in sales results with many items realising above estimate and record sale prices at auctions in Australia and around the world over the past year.

Australia’s Pre-Federation banknotes are amongst the top investment picks in today’s market.

The one pound denomination produced by London engravers Perkins, Bacon and Company was issued between 1853 and 1859. The London Chartered Bank of Australia (1852-1921) opened its first branches in Australia in Melbourne and Sydney.

The note displayed here is particularly valuable as it was actually issued and has miraculously survived in quality condition despite its age. The Western Australian Bank (1841-1927) was one of the few to survive the 1893 crisis.

It amalgamated with the Bank of NSW in 1927.

In its first years of operation Melbourne’s note issue was far greater than that of Sydney. The bank was forced to suspend payment during the 1893 financial crisis, but reconstructed and reopened for business the same year.

‘Western Australian Bank’ 1896 One Pound Issued Note

‘The London Chartered Bank of Australia’ 18-- One Pound Specimen Note

Engraved by: Bradbury Wilkinson & Co., Engravers, London Domicile: Perth • Cat Ref: MVR 3c • Grade: good Very Fine

Engraved by: Perkins, Bacon & Co., London Domicile: Geelong • Cat Ref: MVR 1C • Grade: good Extremely Fine

Extremely Rare in this Grade

Unique

Price: $85,000

Price: $85,000

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A Valuable Specimen Quality Investment

Specimens Consistently in Demand

When considering how few Specimens were produced and that most were stored in banking archives and only a limited number were presented to VIPs or those involved in the note’s production, it seems incredible that they have appeared on the market at all. Preserved in impeccable condition and revealing the sought-after Perth domicile, the Specimen displayed here is a very rare and valuable asset.

Acclaimed as much for their rarity and historic worth as they are often for their eye-catching designs and engraving, Specimen banknotes produced for Australia’s early private banks have demonstrated sustained price growth over many decades. They will certainly be the ones to watch in future years. Only printed in limited numbers as an example of a given issue and used for presentations, they have become a precious rarity in high demand.

Many private trading banks issued their own notes from 1817 to 1910. Specimen banknotes were usually distinguished from circulating notes by the word SPECIMEN or CANCELLED either printed or perforated on both sides.

The Australian Joint Stock Bank issued four note types in denominations of £1, £5, £10, £20 and £50. The 1893 financial crisis forced the bank’s close, but it reopened later.

‘Western Australian Bank’ 1896 One Pound Specimen Note

‘Australian Joint Stock Bank’ 1884 Five Pound Specimen Note

Engraved by: Bradbury Wilkinson & Co., Engravers, London Domicile: Perth • Cat Ref: MVR 3c • Grade: Uncirculated

Engraved by: Bradbury Wilkinson & Co., Engravers, London Domicile: Brisbane • Cat Ref: MVR 2a • Grade: about Unc

Very Rare

Very Rare

Price: $35,000 6

As Pre-Federation Specimens have only become available to the collecting public in recent decades and they were only ever printed in strictly limited numbers, they are now one of the most revered numismatic rarities from the Colonial era. Demand for such rarities continues to rise at a rapid pace as a wave of savvy new investors enters an already highly competitive market.

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Building Wealth Through Rare Australian Coins and Banknotes • Albany 1800 641 633 • Perth 1800 811 120

Price: $38,000 • Melbourne (03) 9653 9412 • Sydney (02) 9089 8780 • Visit our website at: www.rarecoin.com.au

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Star Quality Early Decimals in High Demand and Steadily Appreciating in Value

Popular George V World Coins Showcase One of Only 24 Proof Sets Issued

Star banknotes, especially presented in superb uncirculated condition, first prefix or consecutive runs, have emerged as significant investments to acquire, particularly since they were discontinued in 1972. The rarity factor comes into play with banknotes bearing the Treasury signatures of Coombs / Randall. These notes were only issued for a brief period in 1968, and so anything bearing their names is worth securing, with Consecutive Pairs all the more valuable.

Superior grade George V world and Australian Commonwealth coins are hot contenders whenever they surface for sale, regularly achieving impressive auction results. The stunning proof coinage of South Africa’s Royal Mint Pretoria and Australia’s distinctive Pre-Decimal coinage will always turn heads due to their indisputable rarity and striking quality.

We are delighted to be able to present such glorious examples for your consideration.

One of the Earliest Decimal Issues Investors fortunate or astute enough to secure choice quality, first prefix Decimal Star notes even while they circulated, have benefited immensely from their foresight. These rare banknotes have achieved healthy price growth over many years and demand is on the rise.

Decimal star (replacement) notes only occurred in the “Commonwealth of Australia” series. They were identified by serial numbers commencing with “z” and a five-digit serial number ending with an asterisk “*”.

1967 Coombs / Randall Ten Dollar Star Note First Prefix

• Cat Ref: R302sF • Grade: Uncirculated

Seldom Seen on the Market ~ Only 24 Sets Produced

Rare in this Grade

Price: $26,500

Presenting a magnificent Proof set of coins that once formed part of the incredible and diverse private collection of coins and other important collectables owned by prolific American collector R.J. Ford. Originally issued in cardboard boxes, these sets seldom come to light. Many have been stripped and pieces sold individually.

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Mr Ford started collecting coins in 1943 when he was just six-years-old. Over the years he collected coins from around the world, including British Colonial regions.

Rare Grade Consecutive Pair For many investors and collectors, the Decimal star note is a highly specialised area of the numismatic field. It is one that has certainly proved profitable in the past and is on course to continue an upward trend in demand and price growth.

1934 George V South Africa 1/4 d ~ 21/2 /- Proof Set Ex Dick Ford Collection ~ 24 Sets Issued

• Cat Ref: KMPS9 • Grade: FDC

Very Rare Price: $65,000

Consecutive pairs rare in their grade are particularly desirable. Up until 1948 Australia had no star system. Any spoiled note was withdrawn and another substituted bearing the same serial number.

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1967 Coombs / Randall Ten Dollar Star Notes ~ Consecutive Pair First Prefix

• Cat Ref: R302sF • Grade: Uncirculated

Rare in this Grade in Pairs

Price: $58,500

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Major Growth Area of the Market With a steady influx of new investors entering the market and existing buyers already hot on the trail of quality examples with a sound investment edge, Decimal stars look set to shine for many years to come.

Australia adopted the star note concept in 1948. Runs of normal notes were specially numbered with a five-digit serial number and five-pointed star suffix. This replaced the original system, which proved costly and time consuming. The five-pointed star design was abandoned in 1966.

1968 Phillips / Randall Twenty Dollar Star Note Cat Ref: R403s • Grade: Uncirculated

Rare in this Grade

Price: $35,000 8

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Building Wealth Through Rare Australian Coins and Banknotes • Albany 1800 641 633 • Perth 1800 811 120

Highly Collectable in Almost All Grades

One of the Highest Grades Possible

Australia’s Pre-Decimal coins are celebrated as having some of the lowest mintages in the entire series and being amongst the world’s rarest and most spectacular. The Florin is one of the most popular silver coins to acquire due to its size, weight, intricate design and silver content. As with all other silver pre-decimal coinage, the florin was based on the .925 silver standard from 1910 until 1945.

Rare coins presented in exquisite Gem grade are of supreme quality.

The example displayed here is considered very scarce in its grade, and therefore a rarity with substantial potential to appreciate in value.

The florin was amongst our first distinctive Australian Commonwealth silver coins, initially minted in England and later on at either the Sydney of Melbourne Mints. The George V series was issued from 1911 to 1936.

1922 George V Florin Grade: Choice Uncirculated Very Scarce in this Grade

1926 George V Florin Grade: Gem Very Scarce in this Grade

Price: $11,000

Price: $11,000

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• Melbourne (03) 9653 9412 • Sydney (02) 9089 8780 • Visit our website at: www.rarecoin.com.au

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