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Brief History of the Australian Sixpence Coin

The Australian sixpence series of coins are unusual in that the same reverse design was used for the entire production of the coins between 1910 and 1963. It’s believed only three master dies were used. The sixpence is second only to the florin for popularity among collectors.

The first sixpence coins were struck in London from 1910 – 1914. In 1915 the coins were struck in Both London and Birmingham with the Birmingham coins identifiable by a small “H” mint mark. After this coins were struck in Melbourne until 1920 and carry an “M” as the mint mark. From 1921-1926 both Sydney and Melbourne mints produced coins but there are no identifiable mint marks. From 1927 the coins were struck almost entirely in Melbourne except for a period during WWII and also in 1951. No coins were struck in the years 1929-1933. Denver and San Francisco mints assisted with production in 1942 and can be identified by “D” and “S” mint marks. In 1943, the coins were struck in just the two US mints and in 1944 they were produced only in San Francisco. After this production resumed from Melbourne mint, assisted by the London Mint in 1951. The 1951 London coins have a small “PL” mint mark.

Example Values of the Australian Sixpence

The following prices are for some of the most sought after examples of sixpence coins. Coins minted in other years are also of value, those listed below are simply the “cream of the crop”. These prices are only a guide to possible marketplace values. There will be fluctuations in the actual marketplace. Prices will also vary depending on the condition of the coin. All values are listed in Australian dollars. For more up-to-date information on coin values, please visit the Australian Rare Coin Ready Reckoner.

Rare Australian Coin Values – shilling

Australian shilling coins were minted between the years of 1910 and 1963. The currency system used in this period was based on the British pound, using pounds shillings and pence. The coin demoninations were the halfpenny, penny, threepence, sixpence, the shilling(12 pence), the florin (two shillings), and the crown (5 shillings). The crown was only minted in the years 1937-1938.

The following prices are for some of the most sought after shilling coins. Coins minted in other years are also of value, those listed below are simply the “cream of the crop”. These prices are only a guide to possible marketplace values. There will be fluctuations in the actual marketplace. Prices will also vary depending on the condition of the coin. All values are listed in Australian dollars. For more up-to-date information on coin values, please visit the Australian Rare Coin Ready Reckoner.

Rare Australian Coins – Brief History of the Penny

The first bronze (“copper”) penny coins to appear in Australia were minted in 1911. Up until 1918 these coins were minted in London, Birmingham and Calcutta. From 1919 the coins were produced in Australian mints in Sydney, Melbourne and Perth. Sydney production ceased in 1926. Nine different master dies were used for both the obverse and reverse sides of the coins and often different combinations of dies were used in the same year. Production of pennies ended in 1964.

The most valued example of the penny is the 1930. No coins were ordered for production in 1930 however it is believed some experimental work was done to produce better pennies. The good coins produced from the experiment were released with the 1931 coins. It is unknown how many 1930 coins were actually produced but there is believed to be some 1500 coins still in existence today. The fame associated with this coin is responsible for it’s high value.

Some rare examples of the penny include

• the 1920 variety made using the London obverse die with a dot over the lower scroll, only three coins are known to exist.

• 1931 penny with Calcutta obverse and London reverse, known as “Indian die, dropped one variety”. Only 20 specimens known to exist

• 1930 penny struck with the London obverse. Only 2 authenticated but more are known to exist.

Example Values of the Penny

The following prices are for some of the most sought after penny coins. Coins minted in other years are also of value, those listed below are simply the “cream of the crop”. These prices are only a guide to possible marketplace values. There will be fluctuations in the actual marketplace. Prices will also vary depending on the condition of the coin. Some years show a range of values due to a number of variations in dies being used in that year. All values are listed in Australian dollars. For more up-to-date information on coin values, please visit the Australian Rare Coin Ready Reckoner.