What does 'Type II' mean on a Sydney Mint gold sovereign?

The 'Type II' designation refers to the distinct Sydney Mint wreath reverse design featuring a royal crown above 'AUSTRALIA' within a laurel wreath. Used exclusively between 1857 and 1870, this uniquely Australian sovereign design was struck before the Sydney Mint adopted standard Imperial British sovereign reverses (St George and the Dragon / Shield) in 1871.

Is a Sydney Mint sovereign struck in genuine 22-carat gold?

Yes, Sydney Mint sovereigns are struck in genuine 22-carat gold (.9167 fine or 91.67% gold purity), which is the traditional British sovereign gold standard. Accompanied by official certification, each coin contains 7.32 grams (0.2354 troy ounces) of pure fine gold within its total 7.98-gram weight.

What does a 'Fine to Very Fine' (F–VF) condition grade mean for a vintage sovereign?

In numismatic grading, 'Fine to Very Fine' (F–VF) indicates a circulated historical coin with moderate, even wear across high points. Essential design elements—including Queen Victoria's portrait, the royal crown, the laurel wreath, and edge lettering—remain sharp, clear, and fully legible.

What accessories and documentation are included with this 1870 Sydney Mint sovereign?

This historical 1870 Sydney Mint sovereign comes complete with an official Certificate of Authenticity, a protective display presentation case, and its original outer box, with provenance and physical condition verified under Koala Group inspection standards.

How much is an 1870 Sydney Mint Type II gold sovereign worth?

The market value of an 1870 Sydney Mint sovereign depends on its numismatic grade, condition, and current gold spot prices. As the final key date of the iconic Type II 'AUSTRALIA' wreath series, it commands a strong collector premium above its intrinsic bullion scrap value.

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1870 Sydney Mint Sovereign – Type II 22-Carat Gold Coin, Fine-Very Fine

Name: 1870 Sydney Mint Sovereign – Type II 22-Carat Gold Coin, Fine-Very Fine
Price: 2800.0 AUD
Availability: InStock

$2,800.00 AUD

~~$3,299.80 AUD~~ $2,800.00 AUD

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About the 1870 Sydney Mint Sovereign

This 1870 Sydney Mint sovereign is a genuine Australian colonial gold coin struck in 22-carat gold. It is the Type II design, with a crown above the word AUSTRALIA inside a wreath, the legends SYDNEY MINT and ONE SOVEREIGN, and a portrait of Queen Victoria on the obverse.

A Last-Date Issue from Australia's First Mint

The Sydney Mint was created in response to the 1850s gold rush and became Australia's first official mint. 1870 is the final date of the Type II series, because from 1871 Sydney struck sovereigns in the standard British design. That makes this 1870 sovereign a sought-after collector date and a tangible piece of Australian gold rush history.

Guaranteed authenticity, fair pricing and fast delivery – 1870 Sydney Mint Type II Gold Sovereign | Koalaehub

Condition and Grade

Graded Fine–Very Fine, this Sydney Mint sovereign shows honest circulation wear consistent with its grade. The crown, wreath and lettering remain clear, and the coin is protected in a clear capsule.

What's Included

This 1870 Sydney Mint sovereign is supplied with a certificate of authenticity listing its grade, purity, diameter and weight, plus a presentation case and the original outer box.

1870 sydney mint sovereign Specifications

Coin: 1870 Sydney Mint Type II Sovereign
Denomination: One Sovereign
Year: 1870
Mint: Sydney Mint, Australia
Monarch: Queen Victoria
Metal: 22-carat gold (.9167 fine)
Weight: 7.9881 g (per certificate)
Diameter: 21.5 mm (per certificate)
Grade: Fine–Very Fine
Reverse: Crown, wreath, "AUSTRALIA", "SYDNEY MINT", "ONE SOVEREIGN"
Includes: Certificate of authenticity, presentation case, original outer box

FAQ

What does "Type II" mean on a Sydney Mint sovereign?

Type II is the Sydney Mint's wreath reverse, showing a crown above AUSTRALIA. It was used from 1857 to 1870, before Sydney adopted standard British sovereign designs in 1871.

Is this sovereign 22-carat gold?

Yes. It is 22-carat (.9167 fine) gold, the traditional sovereign standard of 91.67% gold. The included certificate states the purity as 22 carat (916.6 fine).

What does Fine–Very Fine mean?

It is a circulated grade. The coin shows moderate wear, but the crown, wreath and lettering remain clear and readable.

What comes with this 1870 Sydney Mint sovereign?

It comes with a certificate of authenticity, a presentation case and the original outer box.

How much is an 1870 Sydney Mint sovereign worth?

Value depends on grade, condition and the gold price. This last-date Type II issue also carries collector demand beyond its 22-carat gold content.

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