1882 Melbourne Half Sovereign - PCGS MS64+

Australia, 1882 Melbourne Half Sovereign -

S-3863A, fourth head, with bun closer to the "G" of "Gratia". We’ve handled thousands of half sovereigns over the years, and while many have received high grades with PCGS, few have also been assigned the coveted “+” designation (which is only awarded to coins with superior eye appeal). This 1882M half sovereign is from a small hoard discovered in Ballarat in 1978, and is the nicest young head half sovereign we’ve handled—ever. It is fresh, and retains an as-struck appearance, as though it were put aside the day it was minted. Lustre cartwheels about both ‘verses, while the strike is so deep one could be mistaken for thinking the coin were a specimen or proof. Most noteworthy are the coin’s proof-like and highly-reflective obverse fields, which is what earns the coin a plus grade. Rarely preserved, proof-like fields are the first characteristic of a coin to suffer the ravages of circulation: Very few coins, even mint state coins, retain their proof-like appearance. Overall, if you’re a sophisticated numismatist seeking an extraordinary early half sovereign, or a type set collector looking for the best type coin money can buy, this is your coin. The single-finest young head half sovereign graded by PCGS (12/23) across the series.