Mintmarked Sovereigns-New Acquisition and Rarity Rankings

giorgio11

Snagged a nice MS63 1917-C Canadian sovereign for my burgeoning set(s). I am afraid the fever is hitting hard ... it won't be long before I start to hit Ye Olde Budgetary Wall. I think some of the Aussie postwar sovereigns are generally underrated, while the Canadians sovs, even though difficult as a group, seem to be more available. What think ye, other series connoisseurs? Which pieces have you found surprisingly difficult, and in what grade?

I use the Michael Marsh book as my primary guide, but there are some notable lapses there. (Any chance John the Jute is trolling about still? If so hi from an Olde Friende.)

7Jaguars

Very good to start with Marsh, however, I think that as with all guides some of it must be taken with a grain of salt. For example, the 1921 S is overrated in high grade IMO as these have been readily available. Also, with regards to the Aussie issues some were released en masse and perhaps some of our members may elucidate. Another date that I think is overrated is the 1926P which is a great coin but have seen more than I think I should at prices floated.
Canadian dates such as the 1913 C with mintage of ~3700 are a bit more available but value in flux (PM me if you need this date as I have one extra in PCGS63). I am not sure that these varied sovereigns are clearly known as to rarity or correctly valued in any one to me. There seems to be huge home market support for the Aussies (tax advantage?).

giorgio11

PM sent and piece bought! Rare coin, nice specimen, thanks for the offer.

giorgio11

<< <i>Very good to start with Marsh, however, I think that as with all guides some of it must be taken with a grain of salt. For example, the 1921 S is overrated in high grade IMO as these have been readily available. Also, with regards to the Aussie issues some were released en masse and perhaps some of our members may elucidate. Another date that I think is overrated is the 1926P which is a great coin but have seen more than I think I should at prices floated.
Canadian dates such as the 1913 C with mintage of ~3700 are a bit more available but value in flux (PM me if you need this date as I have one extra in PCGS63). I am not sure that these varied sovereigns are clearly known as to rarity or correctly valued in any one to me. There seems to be huge home market support for the Aussies (tax advantage?). >>



This morning I took a look at the Monetarium catalog of the Quartermaster Collection -- likely the most memorable collection of Aussie sovereigns (and other Aussie coins) ever to be auctioned, wow what a collection --anyway, I notice that they tend to bear out what you say about the 1921 Sydney. Marsh rates the 1921 S R3. The Quartermaster catalog offered a Choice Unc example which they ranked S, Scarce, and they note "Rare in this condition." Several other issues are at variance between Marsh and Quartermaster, sometimes considerably so.

giorgio11

Well guys and gals, just a quick update. I have now acquired four George V Canadian sovereigns, including the 1913-C, second rarest behind the legendary 1916-C. The others are 1911-C, 1917-C, and 1919-C. Thanks for the offers from board members here, you know who you are. I will be posting some photos in my Registry Sets as time permits. Check 'em out and enjoy! Best Regards, George