| Coin | Australia Quarter Sovereign 2024 - Perth Mint's 125 Anniversary |
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Australia is one of the large issuers of bullion coins. Uniquely, there are two independent mints in the country authorised to strike legal tender: the Royal Australian Mint (which also makes the country's circulating coinage) and the Perth Mint which only makes collector and bullion coins, as well as other bullion products.
Both mints endeavour to create coins with attractive designs, and to introduce new designs and themes often, in order to raise the numismatic value of the coins over the value of previous metal used. Their issues are normally in standard sizes (mostly based on the troy ounce), but sometimes they also issue coins in non-standard formats, such as this one.
This special edition Australia Sovereign was issued to mark the 125th anniversary of the Perth Mint. The coin is the first in the "quarter sovereign" format released by the Perth Mint.
Its reverse design features the legend of Saint George slaying the dragon - a reference to the design which has been displayed on British sovereign coins since 1817. The Perth Mint is deeply linked to it - it was founded as a branch of the Royal Mint in 1899 with its only initial task to strike British sovereigns in Australia near the source of the gold; its very first production was a sovereign coin with a Saint George and Dragon reverse.
The mint says about the release:
Production of traditional sovereigns from Western Australian gold was the lifeblood of The Perth Mint in the years up to 1931. One hundred and six million pieces were struck, each bearing Benedetto Pistrucci’s classical St George and the Dragon design and a "P" mintmark. |
| Mint | Perth Mint |
Mint Mark | Letter P |
Total Mintage |
3,275
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| Obverse | |
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The obverse of the coin displays the bust of King Charles III, which depicts him bare-headed (uncrowned) and wearing a suit and tie, facing left.
Below the shoulder truncation in tiny letters, the artist's initials DT (for Dan Thorne).
Around, the monarch's legend and the face value of the coin: CHARLES III AUSTRALIA · 5 DOLLARS ·.
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| Reverse | |
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Within a beaded border, the reverse design shows Saint George in battle with the dragon. The saint is naked, riding bareback on his horse, and attacks the dragon with a short sword he holds in his left hand.
The designer's initials JM (for Jennifer McKenna) are on the dragon's left wing.
Around above, the inscription AUSTRALIA. Around below, the date of issue 2024.
The mint mark of the Perth Mint is below the dragon; instead of the usual letter P, it is P125, marking the 125th anniversary of the mint. |
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| Edge | Milled | Edge Inscription | None |
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| Notes | Gold content (troy oz): 0.059.
Finish: proof.
Packaging: accompanied by a numbered Certificate of Authenticity, the coin is housed in a presentation case and illustrated shipper.
Perth Mint SKU: 24R91DAA.
Release date: 9 July 2024.
Release price: AU$ 375.00.
Mintage includes 3,000 individually boxed coins and 275 in sets. |
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| Included in Set |
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The Perth Mint 125th Anniversary Australia Sovereign Five-Coin Set, mintage 125, limited to 125
5 coins: Australia Five Sovereigns, Australia Double Sovereign, Australia Sovereign, Australia Half Sovereign, Australia Quarter Sovereign
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The Perth Mint 125th Anniversary Australia Sovereign Three-Coin Set, mintage 150, limited to 150
3 coins: Australia Sovereign, Australia Half Sovereign, Australia Quarter Sovereign
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