The Square Penny coins were struck between 1919 and 1921 at the Melbourne Mint. They were test pieces, passed to dignitaries and politicians for comment as a potential replacement of Australia’s then round copper pennies.

Eleven different designs were trialled, in varying quantities; each design assigned a numerical reference. (Type 3 to Type 13) Given that they were test pieces, the coins were (in the main) struck to quality levels normally associated with circulating coins.

Not so with the design Type 6. ‘Kid gloves’ attention appears to have been used in the ‘Type’ 6 striking for the coins all show stunning proof-like qualities, smooth and highly reflective surfaces. They age gracefully, toning to a beautiful golden/blue hue.

Given their superior quality and extreme rarity it stands to reason that they have always been keenly sought after the very reason why the coins have displayed a solid growth path. It is a fact that the five Uncirculated Type 6 coins to appear at auction over the last 35 years come with a perfect track record. They have all sold – and sold at prices far in excess of their pre-auction estimates.