Sovereign 1855 - Australian Coins Price Guide and Values
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Inaugural date of the Sovereign series struck in Australia. One of the rarest Australian sovereign to find in Mint State condition.
In the mid-19th century, South Australia addressed its currency shortage by issuing the Adelaide Pound without London's approval. In contrast, New South Wales took a different approach by requesting the establishment of a Royal Mint branch. The British government approved this request in 1853, following the discovery of large gold deposits in the Australian interior, west of Sydney. Several pattern Sovereigns were then struck in London for approval.
Subsequently, construction began on the mint in Sydney, utilizing the south wing of the old Rum hospital. Officially opened on May 14, 1855, the Sydney mint began the significant task of transforming the abundant raw gold from the local fields into coinage.
By the end of 1856, over a million pieces of the new colonial Sovereign had been produced, marking a pivotal development in Australia's numismatic history.
Sovereign 1855 value
The value of a Sovereign 1855 australian coin depends on several factors such as quality and wear, supply and demand, rarity, finish and more.
The melt and minimum value of a Sovereign 1855 is $1,616.56.
- Circulated
- Uncirculated
| Variety | G-4 | VG-8 | F-12 | VF-20 | EF-40 | AU-50 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1855 | - | $1,590 | $2,000 | $3,000 | $3,400 | $7,000 |
| Variety | MS-60 | MS-62 | MS-63 | MS-64 | MS-65 | MS-66 | MS-67 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1855 | $25,500 | $65,900 | $114,000 | $133,000 | $209,000 | - | - |
Auctions prices and values
View the average prices of certified Sovereign 1855 sold at auctions »
Gold Sovereign 1855 - Proof
On May 5, 2022, Heritage Auctions sold a NGC PR-65 Ultra Cameo example for $336,000. It was previously part of the Quartermaster Collection and sold in June 2009 for $295,400 (uncertified). It has been supposed that only three examples of this issue exist in private hands.
Gold Sovereign 1855 - Circulation issue
A Type 1 1855 Sovereign also sold at the Quartermaster Collection (uncertified) for $179,350.
Mintage
- Sovereign 1855 : 502,000
Specifications
- Mint: Sydney
- Alloy: 91.67% gold and 8.33% copper
- Diameter : 21.5mm
- Engraver: Obverse: J. Wyon, Reverse: L.C. Wyon
Last update : Sunday, December 28, 2025
You can switch the grades and values to ANDA adjectival standard.
