The scarcest Australian coins, with the exact numbers the Mint printed, and the ten years that are the whole of the programme.
Published figures for Australian proof and specimen coins are famously vague. The branch reports give exact numbers, and they give them for exactly ten years: 1955 to 1964, and nothing at either end. Melbourne sold sets of silver; Perth struck pieces of bronze, itemised by denomination, coin date and grade. Sydney never ran a programme at all.
How it started, in the Deputy Master's words:
Following inquiries, particularly from the United States of America, for SpeCimens of the Australian coinage, it was agreed with the Commonwealth Treasury that a limited number of pieces should be prepared
And how it ended, at Perth in 1964:
With the striking of proof pennies dated 1963, the issue of collectors’ specimens at this Branch came to an end. No specimen coins dated 1964 or coins of any kind dated 1965 will be struck in Australia.
A count of sets is not a count of coins, and this catalogue does not multiply one into the other. Where the Mint printed pieces, the record says pieces.
87 records, 1955 to 1964, from Melbourne, Perth. Every quote below was re-found in the cached report page it cites before this page was built.
| Report year | Mint | kind | denomination | coin date | as printed | Source, and its own words |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1955 | Melbourne | narrative | shilling; sixpence; threepence; penny | report page 40
Following inquiries, particularly from the United States of America, for SpeCimens of the Australian coinage, it was agreed with the Commonwealth Treasury that a limited number of pieces should be prepared |
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| 1955 | Melbourne | narrative | 1955 | report page 41
A limited number of sets of specimen coins were prepared for collectors |
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| 1956 | Melbourne | pieces | shilling | 1955 | 15., 1,201 | report page 35
All specimen coins of 1955 have now been issued, viz., 15., 1,201' 6d. 1 209' 3d.,1,044; 1a., 1,424. |
| 1956 | Melbourne | pieces | sixpence | 1955 | 6d. 1 209 | report page 35
All specimen coins of 1955 have now been issued, viz., 15., 1,201' 6d. 1 209' 3d.,1,044; 1a., 1,424. |
| 1956 | Melbourne | pieces | threepence | 1955 | 3d.,1,044 | report page 35
All specimen coins of 1955 have now been issued, viz., 15., 1,201' 6d. 1 209' 3d.,1,044; 1a., 1,424. |
| 1956 | Melbourne | pieces | penny | 1955 | 1a., 1,424 | report page 35
All specimen coins of 1955 have now been issued, viz., 15., 1,201' 6d. 1 209' 3d.,1,044; 1a., 1,424. |
| 1956 | Melbourne | sets | florin; shilling; sixpence; threepence; penny | 1956 | about 1,500 sets | report page 35
In 1956, about 1,500 sets, comprising 25., is. 6d., 3d, and 1d., were prepared but all have not yet been issued. |
| 1956 | Melbourne | narrative | 1956 | report page 36
A limited number of sets of speclmen coins were prepared for collectors. |
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| 1956 | Perth | pieces | penny | 1955 | Pence—1955 Proof 301 | report page 41
Specimen and Proof pieces were produced as follows: Pence—1955 Proof 301 Halfpence—1954 Proof 1 Specimen 24 Specimen 21 1956 Proof 417 1955 Proof 301 Specimen 32 Specimen 25 |
| 1956 | Perth | pieces | penny | 1955 | Specimen 24 | report page 41
Specimen and Proof pieces were produced as follows: Pence—1955 Proof 301 Halfpence—1954 Proof 1 Specimen 24 Specimen 21 1956 Proof 417 1955 Proof 301 Specimen 32 Specimen 25 |
| 1956 | Perth | pieces | penny | 1956 | 1956 Proof 417 | report page 41
Specimen and Proof pieces were produced as follows: Pence—1955 Proof 301 Halfpence—1954 Proof 1 Specimen 24 Specimen 21 1956 Proof 417 1955 Proof 301 Specimen 32 Specimen 25 |
| 1956 | Perth | pieces | penny | 1956 | Specimen 32 | report page 41
Specimen and Proof pieces were produced as follows: Pence—1955 Proof 301 Halfpence—1954 Proof 1 Specimen 24 Specimen 21 1956 Proof 417 1955 Proof 301 Specimen 32 Specimen 25 |
| 1956 | Perth | pieces | halfpenny | 1954 | Halfpence—1954 Proof 1 | report page 41
Specimen and Proof pieces were produced as follows: Pence—1955 Proof 301 Halfpence—1954 Proof 1 Specimen 24 Specimen 21 1956 Proof 417 1955 Proof 301 Specimen 32 Specimen 25 |
| 1956 | Perth | pieces | halfpenny | 1954 | Specimen 21 | report page 41
Specimen and Proof pieces were produced as follows: Pence—1955 Proof 301 Halfpence—1954 Proof 1 Specimen 24 Specimen 21 1956 Proof 417 1955 Proof 301 Specimen 32 Specimen 25 |
| 1956 | Perth | pieces | halfpenny | 1955 | 417 1955 Proof 301 | report page 41
Specimen and Proof pieces were produced as follows: Pence—1955 Proof 301 Halfpence—1954 Proof 1 Specimen 24 Specimen 21 1956 Proof 417 1955 Proof 301 Specimen 32 Specimen 25 |
| 1956 | Perth | pieces | halfpenny | 1955 | Specimen 25 | report page 41
Specimen and Proof pieces were produced as follows: Pence—1955 Proof 301 Halfpence—1954 Proof 1 Specimen 24 Specimen 21 1956 Proof 417 1955 Proof 301 Specimen 32 Specimen 25 |
| 1957 | Melbourne | sets | silver denominations (not itemised) | 1957 | 1,256 sets of specimen silver coins | report page 36
In addition 1,256 sets of specimen silver coins were prepaf for collectors. |
| 1957 | Melbourne | sets | silver denominations (not itemised) | 1957 | 1,256 sets of specimen silver coins | report page 27
* In addition 1,256 sets of specimen silver coins and 470 proof pennies were struck by the . and Melbourne Mints. |
| 1957 | Perth | pieces | penny | 1955 | We..1955 Selected 6 | report page 41
selected and Proof pieces were produced as follows: We..1955 Selected 6 Halfpence—«l954 Selected 6 1956 Selected 4 1955 Selected 6 1957 Proof 470 Selected 9 |
| 1957 | Perth | pieces | penny | 1956 | 1956 Selected 4 | report page 41
selected and Proof pieces were produced as follows: We..1955 Selected 6 Halfpence—«l954 Selected 6 1956 Selected 4 1955 Selected 6 1957 Proof 470 Selected 9 |
| 1957 | Perth | pieces | penny | 1957 | 1957 Proof 470 | report page 41
selected and Proof pieces were produced as follows: We..1955 Selected 6 Halfpence—«l954 Selected 6 1956 Selected 4 1955 Selected 6 1957 Proof 470 Selected 9 |
| 1957 | Perth | pieces | penny | 1957 | Selected 9 | report page 41
selected and Proof pieces were produced as follows: We..1955 Selected 6 Halfpence—«l954 Selected 6 1956 Selected 4 1955 Selected 6 1957 Proof 470 Selected 9 |
| 1957 | Perth | pieces | halfpenny | 1954 | Halfpence—«l954 Selected 6 | report page 41
selected and Proof pieces were produced as follows: We..1955 Selected 6 Halfpence—«l954 Selected 6 1956 Selected 4 1955 Selected 6 1957 Proof 470 Selected 9 |
| 1957 | Perth | pieces | halfpenny | 1955 | 4 1955 Selected 6 | report page 41
selected and Proof pieces were produced as follows: We..1955 Selected 6 Halfpence—«l954 Selected 6 1956 Selected 4 1955 Selected 6 1957 Proof 470 Selected 9 |
| 1957 | Perth | pieces | penny | 470 proof pennies | report page 27
* In addition 1,256 sets of specimen silver coins and 470 proof pennies were struck by the . and Melbourne Mints. |
|
| 1958 | Melbourne | sets | of the denominations shown above | 1958 | 1,500 sets of specimen coins, of the denominations shown above | report page 41
In addition, 1,500 sets of specimen coins, of the denominations shown above, were prepared for collectors. |
| 1958 | Melbourne | sets | 1958 | 1,500 sets of specimen coins | report page 32
* In addition 1,500 sets of specimen coins and 474 proof pennies were $1“le by the Melooumchn; ((1)1 ‘ and Perth Mir |
|
| 1958 | Perth | pieces | penny | 1957 | Pence—4957 Proof 474 | report page 45
39160th and Proof pieces were produced as follows: Pence—4957 Proof 474 Selected 308 |
| 1958 | Perth | pieces | penny | 1957 | Selected 308 | report page 45
39160th and Proof pieces were produced as follows: Pence—4957 Proof 474 Selected 308 |
| 1958 | Perth | pieces | penny | 474 proof pennies | report page 32
* In addition 1,500 sets of specimen coins and 474 proof pennies were $1“le by the Melooumchn; ((1)1 ‘ and Perth Mir |
|
| 1959 | Melbourne | sets | of the above denominations | 1959 | 1,500 sets of specimen coins of the above denominations | report page 41
In addition, 1,500 sets of specimen coins of the above denominations were prepared for collectors. |
| 1959 | Melbourne | sets | 1959 | 1, 500 sets of specimen coins | report page 32
In addition 1, 500 sets of specimen coins were struck by the Melbourne Mint; |
|
| 1959 | Perth | pieces | penny | 1957 | Proof. . . . . . 168 | report page 46
Selected and Proof pieces were produced as follows: 1957 1958 1959 Pence: Proof. . . . . . 168 1,028 600 Selected . . . . 123 295 — |
| 1959 | Perth | pieces | penny | 1958 | 168 1,028 | report page 46
Selected and Proof pieces were produced as follows: 1957 1958 1959 Pence: Proof. . . . . . 168 1,028 600 Selected . . . . 123 295 — |
| 1959 | Perth | pieces | penny | 1959 | 1,028 600 | report page 46
Selected and Proof pieces were produced as follows: 1957 1958 1959 Pence: Proof. . . . . . 168 1,028 600 Selected . . . . 123 295 — |
| 1959 | Perth | pieces | penny | 1957 | Selected . . . . 123 | report page 46
Selected and Proof pieces were produced as follows: 1957 1958 1959 Pence: Proof. . . . . . 168 1,028 600 Selected . . . . 123 295 — |
| 1959 | Perth | pieces | penny | 1958 | 123 295 | report page 46
Selected and Proof pieces were produced as follows: 1957 1958 1959 Pence: Proof. . . . . . 168 1,028 600 Selected . . . . 123 295 — |
| 1959 | Perth | pieces | penny | 1959 | 295 — | report page 46
Selected and Proof pieces were produced as follows: 1957 1958 1959 Pence: Proof. . . . . . 168 1,028 600 Selected . . . . 123 295 — |
| 1959 | Perth | pieces | penny | 1, 796 proof | report page 32
In addition 1, 500 sets of specimen coins were struck by the Melbourne Mint; 1, 796 proof and frat/g Du/lm'x: (a) ‘ 1 1 1' 418 selected pennies were struck by the Perth Mint. |
|
| 1959 | Perth | pieces | penny | 418 selected pennies | report page 32
In addition 1, 500 sets of specimen coins were struck by the Melbourne Mint; 1, 796 proof and frat/g Du/lm'x: (a) ‘ 1 1 1' 418 selected pennies were struck by the Perth Mint. |
|
| 1960 | Melbourne | sets | silver denominations only | 1960 | 1,512 sets of specimen coins of the silver denominations only | report page 43
In addition, 1,512 sets of specimen coins of the silver denominations only were prepared for collectors. |
| 1960 | Melbourne | sets | silver denominations only | 1960 | 1,512 sets of specimen coins of the silver denominations only | report page 35
addition 1,512 sets of specimen coins of the silver denominations only were struck by the |
| 1960 | Perth | pieces | penny | 1959 | produced were 430 | report page 49
The numbers of proof and selected 1959 pence pieces produced were 430 and 401 respectively. |
| 1960 | Perth | pieces | penny | 1959 | 430 and 401 | report page 49
The numbers of proof and selected 1959 pence pieces produced were 430 and 401 respectively. |
| 1961 | Melbourne | sets | silver denominations only | 1961 | 1,506 sets of specimen coins of the silver denominations only | report page 41
In addition 1,506 sets of specimen coins of the silver denominations only were prepared for collectors. |
| 1961 | Melbourne | sets | silver denominations | 1961 | 1,506 sets of specimen coins of the silver denominations | report page 31
Inaddmon, at the Melbourne Mint: 1,506 sets of specimen coins of the silver denominations. |
| 1961 | Perth | pieces | penny | 1960 | Pence 1960 1,030 | report page 45
Selected and proof pieces Were produced as follows: Proof Selected Pence 1960 1,030 176 Halfpence 1960 1,034 135 |
| 1961 | Perth | pieces | penny | 1960 | 1,030 176 | report page 45
Selected and proof pieces Were produced as follows: Proof Selected Pence 1960 1,030 176 Halfpence 1960 1,034 135 |
| 1961 | Perth | pieces | halfpenny | 1960 | Halfpence 1960 1,034 | report page 45
Selected and proof pieces Were produced as follows: Proof Selected Pence 1960 1,030 176 Halfpence 1960 1,034 135 |
| 1961 | Perth | pieces | halfpenny | 1960 | 1,034 135 | report page 45
Selected and proof pieces Were produced as follows: Proof Selected Pence 1960 1,030 176 Halfpence 1960 1,034 135 |
| 1961 | Perth | pieces | penny | 1,206 Pence | report page 31
'10 addition at the Perth Mint: 1,206 Pence, 1,169 Halfpence in proof and selected pieces. |
|
| 1961 | Perth | pieces | halfpenny | 1,169 Halfpence | report page 31
'10 addition at the Perth Mint: 1,206 Pence, 1,169 Halfpence in proof and selected pieces. |
|
| 1962 | Melbourne | sets | silver denominations only | 1962 | 2,022 sets of specimen coins of the silver denominations only | report page 42
maddition, 2,022 sets of specimen coins of the silver denominations only were prepared for collectors. |
| 1962 | Melbourne | sets | silver denominations | 1962 | 2,022 sets of specimen coins of the silver denominations | report page 33
at the Melbourne Mint: 2,022 sets of specimen coins of the silver denominations. |
| 1962 | Perth | pieces | penny | 1960 | Pence 1960 — | report page 47
Selected and proof pieces Were produced as follows : ——- Proof Selected Pence 1960 — 95 Halfpence 1960 —- 157 Hialfpenice 1961 1,013 — |
| 1962 | Perth | pieces | penny | 1960 | Pence 1960 — 95 | report page 47
Selected and proof pieces Were produced as follows : ——- Proof Selected Pence 1960 — 95 Halfpence 1960 —- 157 Hialfpenice 1961 1,013 — |
| 1962 | Perth | pieces | halfpenny | 1960 | Halfpence 1960 —- | report page 47
Selected and proof pieces Were produced as follows : ——- Proof Selected Pence 1960 — 95 Halfpence 1960 —- 157 Hialfpenice 1961 1,013 — |
| 1962 | Perth | pieces | halfpenny | 1960 | Halfpence 1960 —- 157 | report page 47
Selected and proof pieces Were produced as follows : ——- Proof Selected Pence 1960 — 95 Halfpence 1960 —- 157 Hialfpenice 1961 1,013 — |
| 1962 | Perth | pieces | halfpenny | 1961 | Hialfpenice 1961 1,013 | report page 47
Selected and proof pieces Were produced as follows : ——- Proof Selected Pence 1960 — 95 Halfpence 1960 —- 157 Hialfpenice 1961 1,013 — |
| 1962 | Perth | pieces | halfpenny | 1961 | 1,013 — | report page 47
Selected and proof pieces Were produced as follows : ——- Proof Selected Pence 1960 — 95 Halfpence 1960 —- 157 Hialfpenice 1961 1,013 — |
| 1962 | Perth | pieces | penny | 1960 | 95 Pence (1960) | report page 33
at the _Perth Mint: 95 Pence (1960), 157 Halfpence (1960), 1,013 Halfpence (1961) Halfpenny . 960,000 2,000 10000 3011' Selected pleces. |
| 1962 | Perth | pieces | halfpenny | 1960 | 157 Halfpence (1960) | report page 33
at the _Perth Mint: 95 Pence (1960), 157 Halfpence (1960), 1,013 Halfpence (1961) Halfpenny . 960,000 2,000 10000 3011' Selected pleces. |
| 1962 | Perth | pieces | halfpenny | 1961 | 1,013 Halfpence (1961) | report page 33
at the _Perth Mint: 95 Pence (1960), 157 Halfpence (1960), 1,013 Halfpence (1961) Halfpenny . 960,000 2,000 10000 3011' Selected pleces. |
| 1963 | Melbourne | sets | silver denominations only | 1963 | 5 054 sets of s | report page 44
in addi ' tion 5 054 sets of s ' ' ' . a : peCimen coms of the d ‘ ‘ are Prepare d f r collect rs. Silver enominations only |
| 1963 | Melbourne | sets | silver denominations | 1963 | 5,054 sets ofspec1men C01ns | report page 36
In add1t1on, at the Melbourne Mmt: 5,054 sets ofspec1men C01ns of the S11ver denomlna |
| 1963 | Perth | pieces | penny | 1961 | Pence 1961 . . . . . . 1,040 | report page 49
Proof Selected Pence 1961 . . . . . . 1,040 351 Halfpence 1961 . . . . . 31 403 |
| 1963 | Perth | pieces | penny | 1961 | 1,040 351 | report page 49
Proof Selected Pence 1961 . . . . . . 1,040 351 Halfpence 1961 . . . . . 31 403 |
| 1963 | Perth | pieces | halfpenny | 1961 | Halfpence 1961 . . . . . 31 | report page 49
Proof Selected Pence 1961 . . . . . . 1,040 351 Halfpence 1961 . . . . . 31 403 |
| 1963 | Perth | pieces | halfpenny | 1961 | 31 403 | report page 49
Proof Selected Pence 1961 . . . . . . 1,040 351 Halfpence 1961 . . . . . 31 403 |
| 1963 | Perth | pieces | penny | 1962 | Pence 1962 . . . . . . 1,053 | report page 49
Proof Selected Pence 1961 . . . . . . 1,040 351 Halfpence 1961 . . . . . 31 403 Pence 1962 . . . . . . 1,053 341 Halfpence 1962 . . . . . 1,053 338 |
| 1963 | Perth | pieces | penny | 1962 | 1,053 341 | report page 49
Proof Selected Pence 1961 . . . . . . 1,040 351 Halfpence 1961 . . . . . 31 403 Pence 1962 . . . . . . 1,053 341 Halfpence 1962 . . . . . 1,053 338 |
| 1963 | Perth | pieces | halfpenny | 1962 | Halfpence 1962 . . . . . 1,053 | report page 49
Proof Selected Pence 1961 . . . . . . 1,040 351 Halfpence 1961 . . . . . 31 403 Pence 1962 . . . . . . 1,053 341 Halfpence 1962 . . . . . 1,053 338 |
| 1963 | Perth | pieces | halfpenny | 1962 | 1,053 338 | report page 49
Proof Selected Pence 1961 . . . . . . 1,040 351 Halfpence 1961 . . . . . 31 403 Pence 1962 . . . . . . 1,053 341 Halfpence 1962 . . . . . 1,053 338 |
| 1963 | Perth | pieces | penny | 1963 | Pence 1963 . . . . . . 812 | report page 49
Proof Selected Pence 1961 . . . . . . 1,040 351 Halfpence 1961 . . . . . 31 403 Pence 1962 . . . . . . 1,053 341 Halfpence 1962 . . . . . 1,053 338 Pence 1963 . . . . . . 812 276 Halfpence 1963 . . . . . 1,064 459 |
| 1963 | Perth | pieces | penny | 1963 | 812 276 | report page 49
Proof Selected Pence 1961 . . . . . . 1,040 351 Halfpence 1961 . . . . . 31 403 Pence 1962 . . . . . . 1,053 341 Halfpence 1962 . . . . . 1,053 338 Pence 1963 . . . . . . 812 276 Halfpence 1963 . . . . . 1,064 459 |
| 1963 | Perth | pieces | halfpenny | 1963 | Halfpence 1963 . . . . . 1,064 | report page 49
Proof Selected Pence 1961 . . . . . . 1,040 351 Halfpence 1961 . . . . . 31 403 Pence 1962 . . . . . . 1,053 341 Halfpence 1962 . . . . . 1,053 338 Pence 1963 . . . . . . 812 276 Halfpence 1963 . . . . . 1,064 459 |
| 1963 | Perth | pieces | halfpenny | 1963 | 1,064 459 | report page 49
Proof Selected Pence 1961 . . . . . . 1,040 351 Halfpence 1961 . . . . . 31 403 Pence 1962 . . . . . . 1,053 341 Halfpence 1962 . . . . . 1,053 338 Pence 1963 . . . . . . 812 276 Halfpence 1963 . . . . . 1,064 459 |
| 1963 | Perth | pieces | penny | 1961 | 1,391 Pence (1961) | report page 36
* In addition, at the Perth Mint: 1,391 Pence (1961), 1,394 Pence (1 962), 1,088 Pence (1963111 434 Halfpence (1961), 1,391 Halfpence (1962), 1,523 Halfpence (1963) in proof and 5‘31“” pieces. |
| 1963 | Perth | pieces | penny | 1962 | 1,394 Pence (1 | report page 36
* In addition, at the Perth Mint: 1,391 Pence (1961), 1,394 Pence (1 962), 1,088 Pence (1963111 434 Halfpence (1961), 1,391 Halfpence (1962), 1,523 Halfpence (1963) in proof and 5‘31“” pieces. |
| 1963 | Perth | pieces | penny | 1963 | 1,088 Pence (1963 | report page 36
* In addition, at the Perth Mint: 1,391 Pence (1961), 1,394 Pence (1 962), 1,088 Pence (1963111 434 Halfpence (1961), 1,391 Halfpence (1962), 1,523 Halfpence (1963) in proof and 5‘31“” pieces. |
| 1963 | Perth | pieces | halfpenny | 1961 | 434 Halfpence (1961) | report page 36
* In addition, at the Perth Mint: 1,391 Pence (1961), 1,394 Pence (1 962), 1,088 Pence (1963111 434 Halfpence (1961), 1,391 Halfpence (1962), 1,523 Halfpence (1963) in proof and 5‘31“” pieces. |
| 1963 | Perth | pieces | halfpenny | 1962 | 1,391 Halfpence (1962) | report page 36
* In addition, at the Perth Mint: 1,391 Pence (1961), 1,394 Pence (1 962), 1,088 Pence (1963111 434 Halfpence (1961), 1,391 Halfpence (1962), 1,523 Halfpence (1963) in proof and 5‘31“” pieces. |
| 1963 | Perth | pieces | halfpenny | 1963 | 1,523 Halfpence (1963) | report page 36
* In addition, at the Perth Mint: 1,391 Pence (1961), 1,394 Pence (1 962), 1,088 Pence (1963111 434 Halfpence (1961), 1,391 Halfpence (1962), 1,523 Halfpence (1963) in proof and 5‘31“” pieces. |
| 1964 | Perth | pieces | penny | 1963 | Pence 1963 . . . . . . 252 | report page 55
Selected and proof pieces were produced as follows: Proof Selected Pence 1963 . . . . . . 252 183 |
| 1964 | Perth | pieces | penny | 1963 | 252 183 | report page 55
Selected and proof pieces were produced as follows: Proof Selected Pence 1963 . . . . . . 252 183 |
| 1964 | Perth | pieces | penny | 1963 | 435 Pence dated 1963 | report page 41
* In addition, at the Perth Mint: 435 Pence dated 1963 In proof and selected pieces. |
| 1964 | Perth | narrative | penny | 1963 | report page 54
With the striking of proof pennies dated 1963, the issue of collectors’ specimens at this Branch came to an end. No specimen coins dated 1964 or coins of any kind dated 1965 will be struck in Australia. |