Brilliantly preserved, this 1953 Proof Penny is presented with full original copper brilliance and impeccable fields. Even a hint of underlying copper brilliance is revered in a pre-decimal proof. Full brilliance is in a league on its own.

As you would expect with a coin of this calibre, it comes with a solid history of success. A new auction record was established for Perth proofs when this coin sold at auction in July 1994. ($4500 on a pre-auction estimate of $2000)

Furthermore it is rare. Perth Mint copper proofs are genuinely scarce. In this case, only eight 1953 Perth Proof Pennies have been sighted on the open market over the last 35 years.

And if you are hunting the finest (such as this coin), you might be waiting at least a decade before it comes up for grabs.

As a closing comment, there is a perception amongst buyers that because a coin is struck to proof quality, it has to be great. Well think again.

The value of a proof coin is as much to do with its state of preservation – how well it’s been cared for in the intervening years - as it is with the clarity and precision of the original striking. Is it spotty? Edge bumps? Harsh and unattractive toning? Scratched? Gouges? Traces of original brilliance?

This means that there are poor quality proofs, mediocre proofs, great proofs – and those you simply can’t take your eyes off because they are truly spectacular. And this 1953 Perth Proof Penny is truly spectacular.