The Australia Gold Sovereign dated 1895 and struck at the Melbourne Mint is a remarkable example of British colonial coinage, representing a period when sovereigns were an essential part of international commerce and a symbol of imperial unity. Certified by NGC in Mint State 63 (MS63), this specimen offers collectors an outstanding combination of historical value, gold content, and numismatic condition. The sovereign was a key part of the British monetary system, and Australia—being a significant producer of gold during the late 19th century—played an integral role in striking these coins for both domestic use and international circulation. The 1895-M sovereign is notable for its sharp design, lustrous surfaces, and strong connection to both British and Australian history.

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The obverse of the coin features the mature crowned portrait of Queen Victoria, known as the Jubilee Head. Designed by Sir Joseph Edgar Boehm and first used in 1887, this rendition of Victoria shows her wearing the small imperial crown, along with a veil that falls behind her head and over her shoulder. The bust is draped and adorned with a brooch and the Star of the Garter. The legend surrounding the portrait reads “VICTORIA DEI GRATIA,” meaning “Victoria by the Grace of God.” In MS63 condition, this obverse retains much of its original luster and presents sharp detail in Victoria’s facial features, hair, and regalia, though some minor bag marks or small abrasions in the fields are consistent with the grade.

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The reverse of the 1895-M sovereign showcases the iconic design by Benedetto Pistrucci, depicting Saint George slaying the dragon. This classic image, filled with motion and symbolism, has become synonymous with the sovereign series. Saint George is rendered on horseback, cape flowing and sword raised as he dispatches the dragon beneath him. The date \"1895\" appears below the scene, and directly under the exergue lies the mintmark “M,” identifying the Melbourne Mint. In MS63 grade, the reverse is sharply struck, particularly in the fine details of Saint George’s musculature, the horse’s mane, and the dragon’s coils. The coin exhibits a vibrant golden sheen, with only minor contact marks present in non-focal areas.

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The Melbourne Mint was one of three colonial branches of the Royal Mint established in Australia during the 19th century, alongside Sydney and Perth. It began operation in 1872, producing gold sovereigns and half sovereigns to serve the economic needs of Australia and the broader British Empire. The “M” mintmark on the 1895 sovereign distinguishes it from sovereigns minted at Sydney (“S”) and London (no mintmark). Minting gold sovereigns in Australia reduced the need to ship raw gold to London and allowed for a more efficient integration of colonial gold production into the imperial currency system. The Melbourne Mint’s high standards of production ensured that its sovereigns were accepted globally, particularly in trade across Asia and the British dominions.

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The mintage for the 1895-M sovereign was approximately 2,307,000 coins, a moderately low figure compared to more prolific years. Many of these coins were heavily used in commerce, often sustaining significant wear or being melted for their gold content. As a result, high-grade examples like this MS63 specimen are far less common than the original mintage would suggest. While circulated examples are more readily available, Mint State sovereigns from this period are prized for their crisp detail and shimmering luster, especially those bearing the Jubilee portrait. The NGC MS63 grade assures collectors that the coin is uncirculated with no wear, and that it exhibits above-average eye appeal for the type.

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The sovereign is struck from .917 fine gold, also known as 22-karat gold, with a total weight of 7.98 grams and an actual gold weight (AGW) of 0.2354 troy ounces. Its diameter is 22.05 millimeters, and its reeded edge is a standard feature of British sovereigns. These specifications were consistent across all sovereign-issuing mints and ensured the coin’s acceptance and convertibility across the globe. The durability provided by its copper alloy made the sovereign ideal for circulation and international trade. In addition to its numismatic appeal, the 1895-M sovereign has enduring intrinsic value due to its gold content and is considered a tangible piece of precious metal history from the height of the British Empire.

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In Mint State 63 condition, this coin demonstrates strong overall eye appeal, with minimal distractions. Coins graded MS63 typically show full detail with no wear, although they may have scattered contact marks, slight surface grazes, or minor imperfections in the fields. These imperfections are minor enough that they do not detract significantly from the coin’s appearance. The luster is usually intact, either fully brilliant or with soft satiny radiance depending on the strike. This grade represents a solid choice for collectors seeking a well-preserved example without paying the steep premiums of gem-grade specimens, which are far rarer and command much higher values.

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The 1895-M sovereign is also historically significant due to its connection to the final decade of Queen Victoria’s long reign. The Jubilee Head design was used during a period of technological progress and global expansion for the British Empire. In Australia, the 1890s were marked by continued gold production, increasing federation discussions among the colonies, and growing national identity. As such, this sovereign captures a moment when Australia was still deeply connected to the British crown, yet developing its own political and economic autonomy. These sovereigns were widely used and trusted throughout the colonies, and their survival in Mint State is a testament to careful preservation rather than routine use.

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Today, the 1895-M Australia Gold Sovereign is a highly desirable coin for collectors of British imperial coinage, Australian pre-federation numismatics, and those who appreciate the artistry of Pistrucci’s famed reverse. Certified by NGC and graded MS63, it offers a compelling blend of history, condition, and gold content. Whether added to a sovereign type set, a Victorian-era collection, or a portfolio of classic world gold coins, this piece represents both a valuable investment and a tangible link to the global influence of 19th-century British monetary policy. The coin’s elegant design and enduring symbolism make it a favorite among numismatists and historians alike.

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In conclusion, the Certified 1895-M Australia Gold Sovereign in MS63 condition is a superb specimen of colonial gold coinage. With its strong strike, original luster, and sharp preservation, it reflects the pinnacle of minting excellence from the Melbourne Mint. Its historical context, beautiful design, and relatively limited availability in Mint State grades make it a prized asset for collectors and gold enthusiasts. As both a numismatic treasure and a piece of tangible wealth, this sovereign stands as an enduring emblem of Victorian power, artistry, and the global reach of the British Empire.

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The Australia Gold Sovereign dated 1895 and struck at the Melbourne Mint is a remarkable example of British colonial coinage, representing a period when sovereigns were an essential part of ...","showMultiPrice","delayDays","discounts",[],"images",[485],{"_12":486,"_25":487,"_488":134,"_489":134,"_490":461,"_491":492,"_493":492,"_494":486,"_495":92},109951,"Austral1895sovMS63r.JPG","active","order","productId","width",1000,"height","imageId","count","singlePrice","hasBtc","buyPriceFormat","priceFormat","1,220.64","priceCcFormat","1,269.47","priceBtcFormat","1,232.85","isBullion","Austral1895sovMS63o.JPG","product_image","hasDelayDate","isDelayed","isDescriptionMore","newProduct","displayQuantity","isOutOfStock","hasDiscounts","lowestSellPrice","lowestSellPriceFormat","isBuyable","isPriceTypeFormula","isBuyPriceTypeFormula","isFreeShipping","mainImage",{"_12":523,"_25":506,"_488":134,"_489":92,"_490":461,"_491":492,"_493":492,"_494":523,"_524":525},109950,"variants",{"_526":527,"_533":534},"avif",[528,529,530,531,532],300,400,500,600,900,"jpg",[528,529,530,531,532],{"_12":536,"_127":537,"_463":538,"_465":92,"_466":539,"_468":469,"_117":134,"_470":92,"_471":-5,"_99":540,"_473":541,"_475":542,"_477":543,"_479":134,"_480":-5,"_481":544,"_483":545,"_496":79,"_497":28,"_498":139,"_499":549,"_501":550,"_503":551,"_490":536,"_158":541,"_505":79,"_25":552,"_507":552,"_508":79,"_509":79,"_510":28,"_511":79,"_512":134,"_513":79,"_514":79,"_515":538,"_516":549,"_517":28,"_518":28,"_519":79,"_520":79,"_521":553},4219,"Morgan Silver Dollar Uncirculated 1882",94.26,"

The Morgan silver dollar was the first standard silver dollar that came after the Seated Liberty dollar's production ceased. Minting silver dollars used to be a hard thing to figure out. There were plenty of silver miners that would take their free silver and sell it directly to the US Mint for coin production. Since this scenario made it hard for the government to keep track of all the silver that was being mined, the Bland-Allison Act was passed in order to ensure the proper production of silver dollars. A couple more acts were passed then repealed after the Bland-Allison act so the Morgan dollar ended its reign in 1904. Another act was passed to use up the rest of the silver in the US reserves as silver dollars so the Morgan was minted for one more year in 1921. Your 1882 Morgan is in brilliant uncirculated condition and contains 90% of silver.

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The Morgan silver dollar was the first standard silver dollar that came after the Seated Liberty dollar's production ceased. Minting silver dollars used to be a hard thing to figure out. There ...",[],[546],{"_12":547,"_25":548,"_488":134,"_489":92,"_490":536,"_491":492,"_493":492,"_494":547,"_495":92},73913,"P-rev1237938.jpg","94.26","98.03","95.20","1882-$1-obv123.jpg",{"_12":554,"_25":552,"_488":134,"_489":92,"_490":536,"_491":492,"_493":492,"_494":554,"_524":555},73900,{"_526":556,"_533":557},[528,529,530,531,532],[528,529,530,531,532],{"_12":559,"_127":560,"_463":561,"_465":92,"_466":562,"_468":469,"_117":134,"_470":92,"_471":-5,"_99":563,"_473":564,"_475":565,"_477":566,"_479":134,"_480":-5,"_481":567,"_483":568,"_496":79,"_497":28,"_498":139,"_499":569,"_501":570,"_503":571,"_490":559,"_158":564,"_505":79,"_25":572,"_507":572,"_508":79,"_509":79,"_510":28,"_511":79,"_512":134,"_513":79,"_514":79,"_515":561,"_516":569,"_517":28,"_518":79,"_519":79,"_520":79,"_521":573},52639,"Average Circulated Lincoln Cent Roll 1923-S",325,"

The Average Circulated Lincoln Cent Roll from 1923-S provides a fascinating glimpse into American numismatic history during a time of social change and economic expansion. The Lincoln Cent, first introduced in 1909 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of President Abraham Lincoln's birth, quickly became an essential part of American currency. The 1923-S edition is especially noteworthy due to its unique design features, minting history, and the historical context in which it was produced.

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Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the United States, is celebrated for his leadership during the Civil War and his unwavering commitment to equality and justice. Featuring Lincoln on the cent serves as a powerful tribute to his enduring legacy. The design was created by sculptor Victor David Brenner, who was commissioned to create a portrait that honored Lincoln in a manner befitting his significance in American history. The decision to depict a real person on the cent, rather than an allegorical figure, marked a significant shift in American coinage.

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The obverse of the 1923-S Lincoln Cent features a finely detailed portrait of Lincoln, showcasing his distinctive features, including his iconic beard and thoughtful expression. Brenner's artistry captures Lincoln's likeness in a way that resonates with the respect the American public held for him. The surrounding inscriptions, “ABRAHAM LINCOLN” and “1923,” identify both the figure depicted and the year of minting. This design not only serves to honor Lincoln’s contributions to American society but also connects the coin to the cultural values of the time.

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On the reverse side, the coin showcases two stalks of wheat, symbolizing agriculture and the agrarian roots of the United States. This imagery emphasizes the importance of farming to the American economy and reflects the ideals of hard work and perseverance. The inscriptions “ONE CENT” and “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” clearly denote the coin’s denomination and affirm its status as legal tender. The wheat design has become iconic, closely associated with the Lincoln Cent series, and has significantly enhanced its appeal among collectors and enthusiasts.

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The 1923-S Lincoln Cent was minted at the San Francisco Mint, contributing to a total mintage of approximately 1.2 million coins. This relatively low mintage makes the 1923-S Lincoln Cent one of the more sought-after varieties in the Lincoln Cent series. The distinct mint mark (S) signifies that the coin was produced in San Francisco, adding to its collectibility and desirability among collectors who focus on specific years and mint marks.

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An average circulated roll of 1923-S Lincoln Cents consists of 50 coins, each reflecting its unique journey through time. These coins typically exhibit signs of wear, including scratches, tarnishing, and other imperfections that come from years of circulation in everyday transactions. Despite their circulated condition, these coins retain their essential design elements, allowing collectors to appreciate the artistry and craftsmanship involved in their production. Each coin serves as a tangible reminder of the daily lives of Americans during a significant period in history.

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The Lincoln Cent series has retained its popularity over the decades, appealing to both novice collectors and seasoned numismatists. The 1923-S Lincoln Cent is particularly valued for its historical context and connection to Lincoln’s enduring legacy. Collectors often seek to acquire coins from specific years to enhance their collections, and the 1923-S edition holds particular significance due to its unique attributes and limited mintage. The combination of its rich history, exquisite design, and connection to a revered historical figure makes it a sought-after choice for collectors.

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The significance of the 1923-S Lincoln Cent also extends to its reflection of the evolving identity of the United States in the early 20th century. This period was characterized by numerous challenges and transformations, including the post-World War I economic boom and shifts in social norms. The introduction of the Lincoln Cent occurred at a time when the country was grappling with complex issues related to civil rights and social justice—issues that were central to Lincoln's legacy. The coin serves not only as a tangible connection to the past but also as a reminder of the ongoing journey toward equality and justice in America.

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In summary, the Average Circulated Lincoln Cent Roll from 1923-S stands as a captivating representation of American numismatic heritage. The 1923-S Lincoln Cent, with its striking design and historical importance, remains a cherished piece of American coinage. Each coin in the roll provides a direct link to the past, allowing collectors to connect with the enduring legacy of Abraham Lincoln and the values that define the nation. As collectors and enthusiasts continue to explore the world of numismatics, the 1923-S Lincoln Cent serves as a testament to America's rich and complex history.

","2024-01-08T23:04:39+0000","average-circulated-lincoln-cent-roll-1923_s","150","

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