The Stack’s Bowers Galleries August ANA world coin sale achieved notable
results, especially this significant pattern piece for Australian
numismatics which realized $23,500.
The Kookaburra patterns of 1919-21 came about after the Australian Commonwealth
Government considered replacing the cumbersome bronze ½ Penny and Penny (5.67
and 9.4 gms respectively) with a copper-nickel ½ Penny and Penny issue
(approximately 1.97 and 3.8 gms respectively). The coinage would differ in
size, in shape (the new patterns were square in design) and would feature a
simplified head (rather than the full bust), with the reverse design dominated
by a perched Kookaburra bird. Multiple circumstances prevented their dispersal.
First, the cost of importing nickel was significantly higher than using locally
produced metals. Second, the country’s vending machines were designed for round
pennies, and the cost of renovating the machines for the proposed square pieces
was prohibitive. Though the experiment failed to bring about reform, an elite
subset of collectors can now enjoy this treasured and rare piece of Australian
numismatics.
We are currently taking consignments of world and ancient coins as well as
world paper money for our October 2017 Collectors Choice Online Auction and the
January 2018 New York International Auction. We are also accepting consignments
of Chinese and other Asian coins and currency for our April 2018 Hong Kong
Showcase Auction. Time is running short, so if you are interested in consigning
your coins and paper currency (whether a whole collection or a single rarity)
be sure to contact one of our consignment directors.
