Buy Circulated Australia Melbourne Sovereigns Coins
Gold Sovereigns were struck at the Melbourne branch of the Royal Mint between 1872 and 1831. These 22-carat gold Australian coins can be identified by a small 'M' mintmark. With many dates and varieties to collect, Melbourne mint coins are sought-after by collectors.
Frequently Asked Questions
The final Melbourne mint Sovereigns were struck in 1931. The recorded mintage for this year is 57,809, with a small number of proofs also produced. Dies were ordered for a 1934 George V Melbourne Sovereign, but it seems that they were never used and were later destroyed.
The Melbourne branch of the Royal Mint was opened on 12 June 1872 by the Governor of Victoria, who struck two gold Sovereigns on this day before general production began. The Melbourne mint would operate until 1968, after the opening of the Royal Australian Mint.
Melbourne mint gold Sovereigns are valuable because they are made of solid 22-carat gold, but rare dates and examples found in excellent condition can be worth much more than their precious metal value to numismatists keen to add a piece of Australian history to their collection.
Gold Sovereigns struck at the Melbourne branch of the Royal Mint between 1872 and 1931 remain highly collectable. High-grade examples are sought after, and several rare dates prove a welcome challenge to dedicated numismatists.
The value of Melbourne mint gold Sovereigns varies based on the date and the condition of the coin. High-grade examples of early Melbourne Sovereigns from the 1870s and 1880s are particularly valuable, as are some of the later dates, from the 1920s and the final issue of 1931.
All gold Sovereigns struck at the Melbourne branch of the Royal Mint feature a tiny ‘M’ mintmark, generally found just above the date on the reverse. Early Melbourne Sovereigns from the 1870s and 1880s may have an ‘M’ below the shield or underneath the portrait of Victoria.
Among the rarest Melboure mint Sovereigns are the proof issues, notably the 1889-M Sovereign. Only two of these gold coins were struck. Some of the rarest circulation issues are from the 1920s and include 1920-M, 1921-M, 1922-M, 1927-M and 1929-M Sovereigns.
The first gold Sovereigns were struck at the Melbourne mint on its opening day in June 1872. 1872-M Sovereigns were struck with two distinct designs, the St George reverse and the royal shield. Both designs from this low-mintage year are regarded as scarce.