Victoria (1837-1901), gold Sovereign, Sydney Branch Mint, 1858. Second young head left with wreath of banksia in hair, date below, Latin legend and toothed border surrounding, VICTORIA D: G: BRITANNIAR: REG: F: D: rev. AUSTRALIA across center, crown above within tied laurel wreath, SYDNEY MINT above, ONE SOVEREIGN below, weight 7.97g (Bentley 633 this coin; Marsh 363 R; Fr 10; KM 4). Some light bagmarks and one light abrasion on rim, toned, pleasing and extremely rare, in NGC holder graded MS 61, Pop 2; only 1 graded higher in MS-62 at NGC. The finest graded pieces at PCGS are also MS-61 examples. Estimated Value $10,000
Ex Noble Numismatics, 25th Anniversary sale 66, 28th March 2001, lot 1219.
Ex Bentley Collection, part II, Baldwin Auction 76, 27th September 2012, lot 633.
NGC certification 2718451-003. We note from the census reports of PCGS and NGC that only one 1858 Sovereign is graded higher and this piece is joint with two others at this level of grade. Calendar year mintage=1,101,500.