Australian Pre-Decimal Proofs
1956 Melbourne Mint
Penny, Florin, Shilling, Sixpence, Threepence.
Bronze coins after having been around for decades are now quite difficult to find in a fully brilliant state of preservation.The collector proofs were released as part of a 5 coin set running from 1d up to 2/-. The One Penny Proof is extremely difficult to obtain in a fully brilliant condition as most of these have toned as the sets were sold loose to collectors , wrapped only in cellophane allowing eager collectors to handle them.
There is a full set in collection but no pictures available.
Some of the general pointers to look for to distinguish Melbourne proofs from the normal circulation strikes are:
- The fields are flat with little of the light detraction caused by the normal rolled unpolished planchet for circulation strikes.
- The rim is sharp and flat, with a definite right angle on the edge, - the Melbourne mint proofs often have a rim extrusion
- The rim is sharp and flat, with a definite right angle on the edge, the circulation strikes are slightly rounded.
- Examine the rim carefully as some Melbourne mint silver was struck with chrome plated dies so that they have reflective fields and can be confused with proofs, the circulation strikes are slightly rounded and often the extrusion is not all the way around.
- The detail of the Queen's hair is always well struck and clearly defined.
- The beads around the obverse are almost always perfect.
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