Numismatic

1889-S Australia Gold 1/2 Sovereign AU

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Struck in the late nineteenth century, this gold half sovereign represents a fascinating chapter in Australian branch mint history. Produced at the Sydney Mint in 1889, the coin is composed of 0.9167 fine gold, containing 0.1177 troy ounces of precious metal. With a remarkably low mintage of just 64,000 pieces, finding surviving specimens in an Almost Uncirculated state offers a rare glimpse into the artistry of the era. The obverse features the celebrated Jubilee portrait of Queen Victoria. She is depicted facing left, adorned with an imperial crown. On the reverse, the coin displays an intricately detailed crowned shield, which is elegantly garnished. The Sydney mint mark, a small letter S, is placed on the reverse side above the date of 1889, marking its origin from the historic Australian facility.