Coins, medals, and banknotes can tell us fascinating stories about the past. Commonwealth coins have a rich history, reflecting the cultures and events of the British Empire and its colonies. These collectibles are not only valuable but also connect us to important historical moments. This article explores seven significant Commonwealth coins and medals, detailing their histories and the prices they have fetched at auctions. Whether you’re a collector or just curious, you’ll find this information interesting!
What Are Commonwealth Coins?
Commonwealth coins originate from the British Empire, which created coins for its colonies. For example, silver coins were made in New England starting in 1653, while silver rupees were produced in Bombay for the East India Company. Usually, one side of these coins showed the crowned head of a monarch, while the reverse featured national symbols or important images from the region. This connection to the past makes these coins particularly valuable to collectors.
What Is the Value of Commonwealth Coins?
The value of Commonwealth coins can be quite high, especially if they have unique features or ties to significant historical events. For example, the 1794 Flowing Hair Silver Dollar, the first silver dollar made by the United States Mint, set a record at auction when it sold for $10,016,875 in 2013. Similarly, the 1933 Lavrillier Pattern Penny from 2016 sold for £72,000 ($94,885). Collectors seek out coins, medals, and early banknotes with distinct properties or historical importance, making them valuable additions to any collection.
7 Historically Significant Coins and Medals of the Commonwealth
Overview of Significant Commonwealth Coins and Medals
| Item | Description | Auction Price | Year Sold |
|---|---|---|---|
| Charlotte Medal, 1788 | First Colonial Australian art piece, engraved by Thomas Barrett | AUD 873,750 | 2008 |
| Royal Society of Arts Medal, 1794 | Awarded to William Bligh for his bravery during the H.M.S. Bounty mutiny | AUD 126,440 | 2019 |
| Naval Gold Medal, 1797 | Awarded to Bligh for his role in the Battle of Camperdown | AUD 235,440 | 2019 |
| Victoria Cross | Awarded to Private Edward Kenna for bravery during WWII | AUD 1,002,000 | 2011 |
| Holey Dollar | Created from Spanish dollars to address coin shortage in NSW | AUD 50,000 – AUD 500,000 | 2015 |
| Fifteen Pence Coin (Dump), 1813 | Australia’s first Colonial banknote | AUD 283,095 | 2005 |
| Bank of New South Wales Ten Shilling Note, 1817 | First Colonial banknote from NSW, extremely rare | AUD 280,000 | 2014 |
The Charlotte Medal, 1788
Lot 704: The “Charlotte” Medal, 1788. Sold for AUD750,000 via Noble Numismatics (July 2008).
The Charlotte Medal is considered one of the first works of art in Colonial Australia. This thin silver disc was engraved by hand and tells the story of the Charlotte ship, part of the First Fleet that left England in 1787 to establish a penal colony in Australia. Thomas Barrett, a convict on the ship, created this medal when they reached Botany Bay in January 1788. In 2008, it was sold for AUD 873,750 to the Australian National Maritime Museum.
Medals Awarded to William Bligh, 1794 & 1797
Left: Royal Society of Arts Medal, 1794. Sold for AUD116,000 via Noble Numismatics (July 2011) & Right: Naval Gold Medal, 1797. Sold for AUD216,000 via Noble Numismatics (July 2011).
Captain William Bligh was awarded two important medals for his bravery. The first, the Royal Society of Arts Medal, was given in 1794 for his actions during a mutiny on the H.M.S. Bounty in 1789. Bligh was transporting breadfruit plants when his crew forced him off the ship. He later became the governor of New South Wales. This medal sold for AUD 126,440 in 2019.
The second medal, the Naval Gold Medal, was awarded to Bligh for his leadership during the Battle of Camperdown in 1797. This battle was a major victory for the British Royal Navy against the Dutch. This medal sold for AUD 235,440 at auction in 2019.
The Victoria Cross
Lot 3985: A group of medals including the Victoria Cross. Sold for AUD1,002,000 via Noble Numismatics (July 2011).
The Victoria Cross is one of the highest awards for bravery in the British Commonwealth. One medal was awarded to Private Edward Kenna for his incredible courage during an attack on the Wirui Mission in the South West Pacific on May 15, 1945. This group of ten medals was sold for AUD 1,002,000 in 2011.
A Holey Dollar
Lot 1382: A Holey Dollar. Sold for AUD400,000 via Noble Numismatics (July 2015).
The Holey Dollar was introduced in 1813 by Governor Lachlan Macquarie to help with a coin shortage in New South Wales. A convict named William Henshell cut a hole in the center of 40,000 Spanish dollars to create two coins. The outer part, called the holey dollar, had a value of five shillings. These coins can sell for as little as AUD 50,000 for worn examples, but the best ones can reach around AUD 500,000.
A Fifteen Pence Coin (Dump), 1813
Lot 1385: A fifteen pence coin known as a dump, 1813. Sold for AUD43,000 via Noble Numismatics (July 2015).
The fifteen pence coin, known as a dump, is unique because it’s the only known example of Australia’s first colonial banknote. It was issued when the Bank of New South Wales opened on April 8, 1817. It was signed by J. Harris and R. Jenkins, two directors of the bank. This coin sold for AUD 283,095 in 2005.
A Bank of New South Wales Ten Shilling Note, 1817
Lot 2799: A ten shilling bank note, 1817. Sold for AUD280,000 via Noble Numismatics (March 2014).
This ten shilling banknote is another significant piece of history from the Bank of New South Wales, issued on its opening day, April 8, 1817. It is a rare collectible and sold for AUD 280,000 in 2014.
Tips for Collecting and Investing in Commonwealth Coins and Medals
If you’re interested in collecting Commonwealth coins, it’s important to learn about the grading scale. Coins are rated from “poor” to “perfect uncirculated.” Knowing how to evaluate and grade coins will help you make smart purchases. Building a relationship with a trusted coin dealer can also be beneficial, especially if you’re looking for rare or older coins.
Conclusion
Commonwealth coins, medals, and banknotes are not just pieces of metal or paper; they hold stories about our history and the cultures that shaped them. The rarity, age, and condition of these items significantly affect their value. Collectors are always on the lookout for unique pieces, and understanding their backgrounds can enhance their value even more. If you’re considering collecting, be sure to study the market and connect with experts to build a valuable collection that honors history.
FAQ’s
What are Commonwealth coins?
Commonwealth coins are currency pieces issued by countries that were part of the British Empire. They often feature a monarch on one side and national symbols or historical events on the other. These coins are significant for collectors due to their historical value.
Why are some Commonwealth coins and medals so valuable?
The value of Commonwealth coins and medals can be high due to their rarity, age, unique features, and historical significance. Items linked to important events or personalities, like the Charlotte Medal or the Victoria Cross, tend to attract collectors and can fetch high auction prices.
How can I start collecting Commonwealth coins?
To start collecting Commonwealth coins, research their history and grading systems. Connect with reputable coin dealers, attend auctions, and join numismatic clubs. Learning how to evaluate coins for their condition and significance will help you build a valuable collection.