The 1883 Sydney beaded
rim
reverse is probably the most common Young Head half sovereign from an Australian mint, with about 2500 pieces available.
This is largely owing to the relatively high initial mintage of 220,000, the highest of the series. The date is available in
mint state
with two examples having been sold through the Reserve Bank of Australia sale realising about $12,000 each. The auction
also sold three EF or better examples which sold from $1300 to $5000
(Downies, 2005)
.
The type is differentiated from the rare crenulated reverse type by its rim, this type has beads rather than a crenulated
or toothed rim.
Beaded Reverse - this issue
Crenulated reverse
Find out what dealers are paying with a subscription.