2016 Australia Gold Sovereign Proof

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In 2016, a remarkable gold proof coin was issued to honor a deep-seated tradition of Australian numismatic craftsmanship. Struck from 0.2354 ounces of gold with a purity of 0.9167, this 25 Dollars denomination piece represents a contemporary tribute to the historic Sydney Mint Sovereign. The legacy of these gold pieces began when the Sydney Mint was set up on May 14, 1855, leading to the release of the initial Type-I sovereign on June 23 of that same year. For 76 years, Australia maintained a continuous production of gold sovereigns, yielding more than 400 million coins across three major minting facilities in Sydney, Melbourne, and Perth. Starting in 1871, these coins displayed Imperial designs distinguished by specific mint marks, including 'S', 'M', or 'P'. This modern proof coin, backed fully by the Australian government, carries a limited mintage of just 1,500 pieces. The obverse displays the portrait of Queen Elizabeth II designed by Ian Rank-Broadley, accompanied by the year 2016 and the face value of 25 Dollars. On the reverse, the central design showcases St. Edward's crown nestled within a laurel wreath. This side also prominently features the inscriptions 'Australia', 'Perth Mint', and 'Sovereign', anchoring the coin to its historic origins and the renowned facility in Perth where it was struck.