The market acknowledged the exceptional nature of this coin when it made its first appearance at auction seven years ago. The halfpenny, offered as a pair with its penny partner, was vigorously contested, the final result creating a new industry record.

Brilliant quality

This 1935 Proof Halfpenny is presented as superb FDC. It is being offered as a pair with the proof penny also featured in Coins on Offer .

The fields are majestic, golden/red mirrors. Heavy striations in the fields reflect supreme die preparation. The colours simply smack you in the eye; full original copper / red brilliance. These are exceptional quality George V proofs.

In my professional career, I can recall only two other pairs of 1935 proofs that have had such presence.

Key date and very limited mintage

The copper proofs of 1935 are not just another proof striking. They have a special significance in Australia’s currency heritage – a key date no less. Furthermore they are rare - only 125 pairs were believed struck.

Rare as a pair

That the halfpenny and penny have been retained as a pair for the last 75 plus years, and not sold off individually, is furthermore a stroke of luck, making a pair rarer again.

Now let’s factor quality into the rarity equation, for this halfpenny (and penny) pair is quite simply one of the absolute best.

A once in a decade opportunity

The rarity of most coins is defined by the number of sightings each year. Coins at this level of quality are so seldom offered, that they can never be measured in relation to annual sightings. Coins of this calibre become available maybe once or twice a decade.

Rule of thumb in the numismatic industry … if you find pre decimal proof copper in a pristine, original state, grab it. It is ‘as rare as hen’s teeth’.