Australian Gold Sovereigns – History and Mintage

Besides being minted in Britain, Gold Sovereigns were made in Australia between 1871 and 1931. The Australian coins carry a small mintmark (‘S’,’M’,’P) just above the date to represent Sydney Mint, Melbourne Mint and Perth Mint respectively.

Early Australian Gold Coins

In 1851 the British prospector Edward Hargraves (1816-1891) found gold in Orange, New South Wales and started the Australian Gold Rush. It was a major event for Australia, moving the convict colonies into progressive cities and new wealth.

At that time Britain had considerable influence as Australia was a number of British colonies and then part of the British Empire. However, that didn’t stop Adelaide setting up an assay office and producing a gold coin known as the Adelaide Pound. The Adelaide Pound contained 8.75 g of gold which was slightly more than the British gold sovereign, and the alloy contained silver which gave the coin a lighter colour. The non-British design and strange colour meant that these coins were non initially accepted as legal tender outside of Australia.

Between 1855 and 1870, Australia produced it’s own style sovereign with “Sydney Mint, Australia, One Sovereign” on one side and Queen Victoria on the obverse.

Australian Gold Sovereigns 1871-1931

Rather than transport the gold to London, it made sense to open branch/subsidiary mints in Australia. The Sidney Mint was established in 1853, Melbourne Mint in 1872 and Perth Mint in 1899.

From 1870 it it was decided to use the same designs as the London Mint, with the addition of a mint mark (“S”, “M” or “P”). Melbourne and Sydney continued to mint Shield Back sovereigns even when it had been discontinued in London. Production became so large that by 1900 Australia supplied about 40% of all the sovereigns used in Britain.

Specification of Australian Gold Sovereigns

The specification of the Australian sovereigns is identical to the London sovereign made at the Royal Mint:

• Weight: 7.9881g
• Diameter: 22.05 mm
• Thickness: 1.52 mm
• Purity: 22 carat = 91.67% (11/12ths gold, 1/12th copper. Adding copper makes the coin more scratch and dent resistant)
• Gold Content: 113 grains = 7.3224 g = 0.2354 troy ounce
• Face value: £1 = 20 shillings

Australian Gold Sovereign production ended in 1931 when the Great Depression caused the the gold standard monetary system to be ended. However, commemorative Sovereigns are still occasionally made.

Australian Gold Sovereigns By Year (Table)

If you are interested in buying or selling Australian Gold Sovereigns then visit M J Hughes Coins.

	2009 The Australian Gold Proof Sovereign - Perth Mint £ 545.00 View on eBay UK
	1997 Australia Coca-Cola Gold Sovereign Coin £ 849.95 View on eBay UK
	2016 Perth Mint NGC Gold Australian Sovereign With BOX And COA £ 630.00 View on eBay UK
	2015 22ct Gold Proof Australian Sovereign, Box & COA. Excellent Condition Coin. £ 589.00 View on eBay UK
	2018 22ct Gold Proof Australian Sovereign Boxed and COA. Stunning Coin. £ 585.00 View on eBay UK
	1897 Australian Gold Sovereign Very Fine Free Postage £ 682.70 View on eBay UK
	1908s Australian Gold Half Sovereign Sydney Mint Edward VII St George Fullluster £ 614.89 View on eBay UK
	2010 Gold Quarter Sovereign Australia Coin PF69DCAM ANACS # 7786816 + Bonus £ 238.26 View on eBay UK