What would you pay for an 1859 Sydney Mint half sovereign

[Silverman99]

Recently came across this for sale and for those of you with some knowledge of sovereigns would be interested in the value and are they really that rare

Ref: KM 3 (EF $7,700). McDonald Ref 006, with a catalogue value of A$2,350 in Very Fine grade and A$13,500 in Extremely Fine.
3.994 grams of 22 carat (.9166 fine) gold.
Diameter 19 mm.

The original Australian issue with "Sydney Mint" on the reverse.
A particularly fine example of this rare date.

No sign of mounting, but has a noticeable rim graze at the top of the obverse.
good Very Fine condition.


Appreciate any thoughts and comments

Thanks

 

[Silverman99]

Wow thanks as currently the asking price here is NZ$2k would you say he is dreaming

 

[JulieW]

That's significant damage and if you're looking for more than a placeholder you'd wait for an undamaged example.

 

[slavaja]

Damage is shocking it's probably worst than a cleaned coin.

 

[Silverman99]

Perhaps melt value only ?

 

[bubblebobble2]

Looks like being cleaned too..still a nice coin but not going to pay premium

 

[slavaja]

Looks like being cleaned too..still a nice coin but not going to pay premium

It does too

 

[hardyakkagold]

Perhaps melt value only ?

No, defiantly worth at least double melt value or a bit more, even with the damage as they are rare in any condition.
I sold a coupe of these type of half sovereigns on eBay last year in much lower VG grade and got about $500 each for them.

 

[jultorsk]

I'd be careful. With that damage it will have a limited number of buyers if/when you decide to sell.
But for sake of comparison, the below coin sold for 25% less than auction house estimate six months ago - total cost $915.
QUEEN VICTORIA, second type, 1859, with wreathed head of Victoria left, by L.C.Wyon. Somewhat tooled and polished, otherwise nearly extremely fine and rare in this condition.

 

[Silverman99]

I'd be careful. With that damage it will have a limited number of buyers if/when you decide to sell.
But for sake of comparison, the below coin sold for 25% less than auction house estimate six months ago - total cost $915.
QUEEN VICTORIA, second type, 1859, with wreathed head of Victoria left, by L.C.Wyon. Somewhat tooled and polished, otherwise nearly extremely fine and rare in this condition.
View attachment 36297

Thank you for this information very enlightening