Scarcely Seen Individual Examples of Premium Quality Australian Decimal Type 1 Specimens
Type 1 Specimen Paper Banknotes of the New Decimal Era Now Prized Rarities
Originally produced for inclusion in a special Reserve Bank of Australia book, it is rare to discover individual examples of Type 1 Specimens. They were printed in strictly limited numbers and never meant for general circulation, and are therefore of a very high quality and now considered very scarce. The phasing out of paper money and introduction of Polymer banknotes from 1988, also triggered a surge in demand for early examples.
Type 1 paper Specimen banknotes heralded the arrival of the Decimal era and represented what would be the most intricate Australian note series ever designed up until that time. The paper was basically the same as used prior to decimalisation but the watermarks were changed and a metallic security thread added. This historic period in our currency history only adds to the importance and value of these now celebrated rarities.
Prime Investment Potential
Superior Uncirculated Quality ~ Very Scarce
The Type 1 Specimens formed part of a book designed to mark the changeover to Decimal currency. On rare occasions some individual examples removed from the original albums surface for sale, but soon disappear back into private hands. A notable investment acquisition with promising future prospects!
In the Type 1 Decimal series only 208 books were issued containing two notes of each of the $1, $5, $10 and $20 denominations with the Coombs / Wilson signature combination. While the books are certainly hard to come by, securing individual notes in pristine uncirculated condition can prove an equally difficult challenge, adding to their overall investment appeal.
The books were presented to dignitaries, major banks and libraries in Australia and overseas, and to those involved in the note design and production. The new $1, $2, $10 and $20 notes were issued on 14 February 1966 and the $5 in 1967, $50 in 1973 and $100 in 1984. A coin replaced the $1 in 1984 and $2 in 1988. Compared to the previous pre-decimal note series, the decimal notes were more clearly ‘Australian’, capturing the country’s history and its contribution to the world.
1966 Coombs / Wilson One Dollar Type 1 Specimen Note
1966 Coombs / Wilson Ten Dollar Type 1 Specimen Note
Cat Ref: RDS1 • Grade: Uncirculated
Cat Ref: RDS4 • Grade: Uncirculated
Very Scarce
Very Scarce
Price: $23,000
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Price: $23,000
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Limited Supply Ensures Continued Demand
Colourful and Striking Designs
To own one of Australia’s first five dollar decimal notes, let alone a superb uncirculated Specimen only printed in limited numbers, presents a rare opportunity for the discerning investor. The Type 1 Specimen is especially interesting, as like the Type Two, it was not separately numbered and there was no way of identifying individual notes at the time.
Like all the new Decimal banknote denominations, the $20 not only represented a major advance in technology, but was also a testament to the talents of designer of the time Gordon Andrews. The Specimen offered here provides a tremendous record of the introduction of his eye-catching artistry.
Provision was made in the book for the five dollar note to be introduced in 1967. Decimal specimens were overprinted with “SPECIMEN” in red to render them not negotiable. They usually carried the first serial letter prefix for that particular issue and the number 000000. The first five dollar issues featured botanist Sir Joseph Banks and champion of women and promoter of managed immigration to Australia, Caroline Chisholm.
The front of the $20 features a portrait of World War I fighter pilot and Military Cross recipient, Air-Commodore Sir Charles Kingsford Smith (1897-1935), pendulum tracings symbolic of wings, and a watermark profile of Captain James Cook. The back displays famous inventor and pioneer of aviation experimentation, Lawrence Hargrave (1850-1915). The first $20 banknote series, featuring the legend “Commonwealth of Australia”, was issued from 1966 to 1974.
1967 Coombs / Randall Five Dollar Type 1 Specimen Note
1966 Coombs / Wilson Twenty Dollar Type 1 Specimen Note
Cat Ref: RDS3 • Grade: Uncirculated
Cat Ref: RDS5 • Grade: Uncirculated
Very Scarce
Very Scarce
Price: $23,500 10
The new decimal banknote series gave more prominent recognition to Aboriginal culture; women; Australia’s unique environment; architecture and the arts; and Australia’s contribution to aeronautics. Except for the one dollar, all denominations continued the trend adopted on pre-decimals by portraying famous Australians and their life’s work. The $10 dollar paper series was issued from 1966 until 1988 when the first polymer ‘plastic’ note was officially introduced.
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Building Wealth Through Rare Australian Coins and Banknotes • Albany 1800 641 633 • Perth 1800 811 120
Price: $23,000 • Melbourne (03) 9653 9412 • Sydney (02) 9089 8780 • Visit our website at: www.rarecoin.com.au
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Australia’s Pre-Decimal Proofs Priority Acquisitions on the World Numismatic Investment Scene
Key Date 1923 Halfpenny Examples Achieving Above Estimate Prices at Major Numismatic Sales
There is always a flurry of bidding activity when Australian Pre-Decimal Proof coins surface at auction as buyers vie to secure examples of one of the world’s most revered and rarest coins. Only recently a Proof set starred at a major New York auction selling for an incredible four times the catalogue estimate. A recent Australian sale recorded prices easily exceeding estimates. Last year a 1955 Perth Halfpenny and Penny Proof pair achieved a record price.
The 1923 Australian Halfpenny, the scarcest in the Halfpenny series, has cemented its place in the numismatic market with bidders out in force and solid prices being achieved. One quality example sold for $2,500 over its estimated sale price at auction recently. The rare date is the key to the coins continued success. Less than 20,000 pieces out of the year’s production of about half a million were dated 1923, the remainder were dated 1922.
Sublime FDC Quality ~ Approximately 12 Known
A Sublime Rarity in this Grade
Acknowledged as being amongst the most superbly struck and having the lowest mintages, the demand and price growth of Pre-Decimal Proofs is legendary. Past sales results confirm their amazing potential as a top level investment. In 1997 a leading US auction house reported high prices realised for various Proofs.
Described in the 1992 June Coin Review magazine as a “potential goldmine”, the 1923 Halfpenny has lived up to its reputation, now considered a prime investment in almost all grades. Three pairs of dies were prepared and issued for striking halfpennies in September 1923, but one pair of the dies was faulty and returned for repairs. The remaining two also failed after a small batch of less than 20,000 coins was struck at the Melbourne Mint.
After 1950 coins with a ‘Y’ mintmark were struck at the Perth Mint and all others, at the Melbourne Mint. The halfpenny was issued in most years from 1911 to 1964.
1954 Elizabeth II Proof Halfpenny
1923 George V Halfpenny
Grade: FDC
Grade: Extremely Fine
Very Rare
Very Rare in this Grade
Price: $38,000
Price: $20,000
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Renowned Investments ~ Less than 100 Struck
A Tangible, Liquid Asset ~ Scarce in its Grade
The superlative craftsmanship and artistry of Australia’s Proofs are highly regarded worldwide. Early Proofs surpassed even the best circulation strikes. Their beauty and rarity has consolidated their compelling position in the market and ensured intense competition between buyers continues.
Quality key date Australian Pre-Decimal coins afford an ideal niche investment area for anyone keen to establish or expand on their investment portfolios or valuable private collections. Ease of liquidity contributes to their popularity as a sound alternative to shares or similar investments.
The sixpence series is unique in that it commenced in 1910 with a single year of issue bearing the effigy of Edward VII on the obverse, and was the only denomination with a reverse design that remained unchanged for 53 years.
Between 1911 and 1915 halfpennies were struck in England and from 1916 to 1918 at the Calcutta Mint in India. All were struck at the Sydney Mint from1919 to 1922 and the Melbourne Mint from 1923.
1934 George V Proof Sixpence
1923 George V Halfpenny
Grade: FDC
Grade: good Very Fine
Extremely Rare
Price: $32,000
Rare in this Grade
Price: $8,500
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In Unprecedented Demand ~ Mintage less than 70
Mystery Coin Now Top Investment
Their resilience in unstable economic times and proven price performance over five decades has led to serious demand for Proofs. Superbly struck using specially polished dies and blanks, they were the first coins minted when new coinage was being introduced or altered. The slabbed coin offered here has been professionally graded and authenticated.
Without the dedication of coin enthusiast John Sharples, who was the Curator of the National Numismatic Archives during the early 1990s, the mystery of the 1923 penny may never have been solved. This simply adds to the compelling story behind this very special coin.
The Melbourne Mint struck all issues from 1916 to 1920. The Sydney Mint shared the task from 1922 until to 1926, when Melbourne took over all production.
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After months of research, Mr Sharples discovered the penny’s original mintage thought to be 1,113,600, contradicted the coin’s rare appearance on the market and that the coins were not struck at the Sydney Mint as initially thought.
1938 George VI Proof Shilling
1923 George V Halfpenny
Slabbed: NGC PF62
Grade: Very Fine
Rare
Very Scarce in this Grade
Price: $28,000
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{ Slabbed }
Building Wealth Through Rare Australian Coins and Banknotes • Albany 1800 641 633 • Perth 1800 811 120
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Price: $4,750
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• Melbourne (03) 9653 9412 • Sydney (02) 9089 8780 • Visit our website at: www.rarecoin.com.au
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Australia’s Numismatic Stars are Out in Force, Making their Mark on the Investment Stage
Seldom Seen Top Quality New Zealand Pre-Decimal Specimens ~ A Choice Investment
Star notes have become rarities of increasing interest to canny investors with a keen eye on the trends in past, current and future rare coin markets. They have firmly established themselves as a primary investment area. Back in 2007, single and consecutive pairs were achieving impressive prices. Today, star notes, especially in higher grades and pairs, continue to escalate in value.
New Zealand Pre-Decimal Specimen banknotes of the Uniform Issue (1924-1934), are some of the most limited banknote issues of their type in the world. They only surfaced on the market in recent decades, and yet have almost tripled in growth since. Specimen banknotes are true rarities in today’s market. Their steady price growth, history and beauty have put them firmly in the sights of astute buyers around the globe.
A Rising Star on the Investment Front Presented in Uncirculated condition and Consecutive Pairs, Star notes take on an even greater presence in the marketplace. Australian decimal star notes only occurred in the “Commonwealth of Australia” series and 1966 was the only time the Coombs / Wilson signature combination appeared on the one dollar denomination. The back of the note featured a line interpretation of an Aboriginal bark painting by renowned indigenous artist David Malangi. ’ 1966 Coombs / Wilson One Dollar Star Notes Consecutive Pair Cat Ref: R71s • Grade: Uncirculated
Very Scarce in this Grade
Price: $10,500
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Very Scarce in Uncirculated Grade The significance of being able to acquire not one, but a Consecutive Pair of One Dollar Star notes in premium condition should not be underestimated. It is rare to find a superbly preserved pair and as one of only two decimal banknote denominations to be discontinued, the one dollar is a Star in its own right. It was the only new decimal denomination to still feature Queen Elizabeth II’s portrait and Australian Coat-of-Arms on the front.
‘Bank of New Zealand’ 1929 Ten Shilling Specimen Note
‘Bank of New Zealand’ 1932 One Pound Specimen Note ~ Perforated ‘Cancelled’
Domicile: Wellington • Cat Ref: PS232 • Grade: Uncirculated
Domicile: Wellington • Cat Ref: PS234 • Grade: Uncirculated
Very Rare
Very Rare
Price: $9,500
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Price: $12,000
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1969 Phillips / Randall One Dollar Star Notes Consecutive Pair Cat Ref: R73s • Grade: Uncirculated
Very Scarce in this Grade
Price: $9,500
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A Choice Quality Example From the moment Decimal Star notes arrived on the banking scene, they captured the attention of devoted collectors and perceptive investors, some already well acquainted with earlier issues. Eager to build on their collections, buyers seized any opportunity to secure the new notes, now rare to find in higher grades. The two dollar banknote was one of the first Reserve Bank issues. It included profiles of John Macarthur, influential in Australia’s early wool industry and William James Farrer, a key figure in the wheat industry.
1968 Coombs / Randall Two Dollar Star Note
‘Bank of New Zealand’ 1927 Five Pound Specimen Note ~ Perforated ‘Cancelled’
‘Bank of New Zealand’ 1927 Ten Pound Specimen Note ~ Perforated ‘Cancelled’
Cat Ref: R82s • Grade: about Uncirculated / Uncirculated
Cat Ref: PS235 • Grade: Uncirculated
Cat Ref: PS237 • Grade: Uncirculated
Very Scarce in this Grade
Very Rare
Very Rare
Price: $10,000
Price: $15,000
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Building Wealth Through Rare Australian Coins and Banknotes • Albany 1800 641 633 • Perth 1800 811 120
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Price: $18,000
• Melbourne (03) 9653 9412 • Sydney (02) 9089 8780 • Visit our website at: www.rarecoin.com.au
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Rare Pre-Decimal Type Set Touting Superior Quality
Edward VII
George V
George VI
Elizabeth II
Sound Investment and Glorious Heirloom One of the greatest rewards for connoisseurs of rare Australian coins is to acquire a premium quality Type Set featuring denominations and designs in various years from the first 1910 one-year only issues to the last 1964 issues. This luxuriously presented set is a wonderful celebration of Australian coinage history.
Housed in Superbly Crafted Jarrah Coin Case
1910-1964 Pre-Decimal Type Set ~ 27 Individually Slabbed Coins Slabbed: PCGS MS62 - MS67
Rare in these Grades Price: $24,000
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{ Individually Slabbed }
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Website: www.rarecoin.com.au Email: enquiries@rarecoin.com.au
Opening Times: Our Albany office and showroom, located in Sanford Road is open each weekday from 9am to 5pm. Our Perth office and showroom, located in Hay Street close to The Perth Mint, is open each weekday from 9am to 5pm and also Saturdays from 9am to 1pm for your added convenience.
Sydney Office* Phone: (02) 9089 8780 Melbourne Office* Phone: (03) 9653 9412 (* Private Consultation by appointment only) The Rare Coin Company offers a Liquidation Guarantee on selected investment quality items sold through our company. Items featuring this Liquidation logo come with an official Certificate of Authenticity and Future Liquidation Liquidation by The Rare Coin Company. Guarantee This guarantee applies only on selected items as indicated in this publication. All other numismatic material does not carry a liquidation guarantee, however we are always happy to purchase quality items for future resale ~ when required.
For more information regarding our Liquidation Guarantee policy please contact us on 1800 641 633.
Your Privacy: The personal information you have provided is protected by the Privacy Act 1988. We observe the national privacy legislation and will handle your personal information in accordance with these principles. If you wish to access your personal information, or do not wish to receive further promotional material, please contact us. Further information regarding our privacy practice is set out in our published Privacy and Confidentiality flyer. Special Disclaimer: The average returns shown for items in this catalogue were calculated using pricing information obtained from the McDonald’s Australian Coins and Banknotes catalogues. Disclaimer: *Past performance is no indication of future returns. °Potential investors into numismatics should seek advice of a qualified rare coin and banknote dealer and a Financial Advisor. No warranty is given and no liability accepted by Arcabi Pty Ltd or its employees for any statement of opinion, errors or omissions. E&OE Items offered are subject to being sold out prior to receipt of order. All previous selling lists are cancelled. Prices shown are subject to change without notice. All prices include GST. Some items may not be immediately available from our retail outlet. Pictures are shown for illustration purposes only. Members of ANDA
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Building Wealth Through Rare Australian Coins and Banknotes • Visit our website at: www.rarecoin.com.au