The Sydney Mint half sovereigns were popular among collectors during the gold boom of the 1970’s. They are now an often neglected area of Australian numismatics. Patterns are known dated 1853. Half sovereigns were issued for circulation between 1855 and 1866 so there are only a dozen dates to collect. The 1855 coin is extremely rare. All the other dates are available. Like the Sydney sovereigns issued at the same time they show the uniquely Australian reverse and a lighter yellow colour than British sovereigns. This colour was due to silver being used as the alloying metal instead of copper. The 1855 and 1856 coins have the earlier filletted bust so the 1856 issue is the only readily found example of the type. The obverse of the 1857 – 1866 coins shows the uniquely Australian portrait of Victoria by L. C. Wyon.
The much more common Sydney Mint sovereigns were used mostly as a store of bullion and so many have survived in uncirculated condition. However the half sovereigns were heavily used in circulation and most surviving examples show considerable wear. Uncirculated examples of any Sydney Mint half sovereigns are extremely rare and priced in the many thousands of dollars. On the other hand worn but collectable examples like that illustrated are regularly offered at auction or by dealers.