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The British government granted permission to open a branch of the Royal Mint in Sydney in 1853, and the facility located in the old 'Rum' hospital opened in 1855. Prior to striking Sovereigns for circulation, rare patterns were produced in London before regular annual issues began in 1855. Sovereigns were struck at the Sydney mint with an Australia-only design until 1870.
Two different portraits of Queen Victoria were used on early Australian Sovereigns, the most common design being the so-called Banksia Head portrait, engraved by Leonard Charles Wyon. Victoria is shown with a plait that loops below her ear and a wreath of native banksia flowers. The date is shown below, and the inscription reads 'VICTORIA D: G: BRITANNIAR: REG: F: D:'.
These Sovereigns were the first to state the denomination on the coin itself with the words 'ONE SOVEREIGN' displayed below a wreath with a crown and the word 'AUSTRALIA' in the centre. The words 'SYDNEY MINT' are seen above. This reverse design and the banksia-wreathed portrait were discontinued in 1870 when the design of Sydney Sovereigns was brought in line with those being struck in London.
Our best value early Australian Sovereigns are available in our choice of year from our current stock. These coins are graded good Fine (good Fine) or better by specialists with significant wear being typical of these Sydney Mint coins. We also stock specific dates and high-grade examples of these popular numismatic coins.
Browse the range: Sydney Mint Gold Sovereigns
While gold Sovereigns struck in London in the 1850s and 1860s benefit from a Capital Gains Tax exemption as UK legal tender, early Sydney mint Sovereigns seem to be treated differently under British tax laws since they were not legal tender in Britain at the time they were minted.
