If you're looking to add some Australian florins or Perth pennies to your collection of world coins, you won't have to dig a tunnel to the other side of the world. Instead, you can log on to iCollector.com from the comfort of your own home and place bids on fine specimens from the land down under during the Pacific Rim Coin Auction Oct. 7.
Taking place in North Sydney, Australia, this rare coins auction will offer some of the most unique and hardest-to-find numismatics from the home of INXS, Vegemite and Crocodile Dundee. It's the perfect chance to take your coin collecting to the next level by expanding your global inventory.
Auction highlight
The 1934/35 Centenary Florin (lot #47) might be the most recognizable collectible coin in Australian history, and it will headline the October auction. Nor is this one just any example of the coin, which was first minted to celebrate 100-year anniversary of the founding of Victoria and Melbourne. The specific florin available on the 5th is certified by the Professional Coin Grading Service and carries an MS67 rating. It's one of the most exquisite examples of the 1934/35 coin still in existence.
Only 75,000 were made, and 21,000 of those went unsold and were later melted down, which is why there are so few opportunities to get your hands on one of the few remaining specimens.
Coins from the early-20th century
There are several coins stretching back into early Australian history, which, for this relatively young country, means the early-20th century. There are even a few that can trace their provenance back to the 19th century, including an uncirculated M 1/2 gold coin from 1887, featuring the profile of Queen Victoria on one side (lot #1).
Other older coins that will be available are a couple of George V pennies from 1914 and 1918, respectively (lots #125 and 127); a scarce 1911 sixpence, also with George V on its head; a 1911 shilling piece with a gorgeous silver finish (lot #70); and a 1916 silver florin with the national coat of arms on its reverse (which, fittingly enough, depicts a kangaroo and an emu holding the country's seal).
Tapping into Australian history
Through these and other coins included at auction in October, you will be able to gain entree into the rich history of a country that is often forgotten when the discussion turns to the past.
Because it has remained relatively independent and stayed out of involvement in world conflict, Australia tends to be dismissed as an important factor in world events. But with coins like these – the examples minted during World War I, for example – you can be transported to a time when Australia sent its best young men to die in defense of freedom.
Through numismatic auctions like this one, and with the help of iCollector.com, which can connect you to them, you can touch and feel a piece of history.