Limited Edition '1852 Adelaide Pound' Cracked Die

Australia’s First Gold Coin

Gold fever hit South Australia hard in 1852, and not in a good way! The colony was on the brink, as a mass exodus of manpower fled to the Victorian goldfields with a dream of striking it rich. With the economy collapsing, something drastic had to be done to lure workers back to SA and restore stability. The answer came in the form of Australia’s first locally minted gold coin: the Adelaide Pound.

There were two Adelaide Pound types designed, the famous 'Cracked Die' Type I, and the Type II. A tiny flaw appeared in the reverse die of the Type I after around 50 strikes, creating a rarity that sees fewer than 40 examples survive today. What began as a problem became one of the most celebrated stories in Australia’s coining history.

From coin to canvas, the 'Cracked Die' finds new life. Faithful to the original oil painting of the Type I Adelaide Pound, only 30 Giclée prints are available. Each edition is signed, numbered, and issued with a certificate of authenticity.

Product Details

  • Limited Edition – Only 30 Giclée prints, signed & numbered

  • Archival Quality – Pigment inks on 310gsm Smooth Cotton Rag paper 

  • Faithful to the Original – Colours carefully matched to the original oil painting

  • Certificate of Authenticity – Each edition logged, photographed, and documented for provenance

  • Secure Shipping – Express Post with tracking in Australia, international options available

The Story Behind the Artwork

Painting the Adelaide Pound meant stepping into 1852, when survival hinged on turning gold into coin. Engraver Joshua Payne created the dies under immense pressure, and the irony of the Type I reverse cracking under pressure is not lost on history!

On canvas, working in oils to capture the elegance of Payne's design presented its own pressures and challenges. The result - a unique synergy in the reimagined artwork of the most celebrated 'flaw' in numismatics.

About the Artist

Coinart grew from a love of both fine art and rare coins. With formal art training and years spent in the numismatic world, I’ve found a way to preserve the beauty of historic coins in a form collectors can enjoy every day.

Each artwork is about more than metal. Coinart is about memory, legacy, and keeping the passion for collecting alive, even when coins remain safely stored away.

Coming Soon…

A membership is in the works for people who love coins and want to learn how to create their own Coinart. If this sparks your interest, click below and be first to know when the doors open.

Yes! Keep me in the loop
ANY QUESTIONS ABOUT THE ARTWORK? PLEASE GET IN TOUCH
logo-strip
Shipping

Orders of prints in stock will be dispatched within 2 days of receiving orders, as sending artwork requires time and care.

Some artworks are print to order, in this instance please allow 2 weeks for printing time and postage. If your order is time sensitive, please contact Sarah directly at hello@sarahbraybrook.com

Art works will be sent using the Standard Australia Post service. Art will be packaged either flat between two sheets of cardboard, or in a sturdy postage tube.

Express Post services are available upon request at the cost of that service to you.

All orders are trackable within Australia and Internationally. The current world climate has placed a great strain on postal services, making delivery times vary greatly.

Returns Policy

Sarah Braybrook is committed to providing exceptional art production for every order. Whether a single giclee print, a poster or a collection of prints, every order receives the individualised care it deserves. 

Sarah Braybrook has a no returns policy for change of mind. 

Artwork that is delivered will be free of defects.

In the unfortunate instance that damage to your order occurs during shipping, please email photos of the damaged items to hello@sarahbraybrook.com within 48 hours of receiving your order.

Upon confirmation of damaged goods, a return address will be emailed to you. Please send the damaged items to this address, and a replacement item will be sent to you upon receipt of the damaged order.

In the case you choose to receive a refund for a damaged order, payment will be made directly into your nominated account within 48 hours of receiving your returned item, not including return shipping costs. 

Every endeavour is made to ensure accuracy with the supply of your order. In the regrettable case an error does occur with an item in your order ie. incorrect print size or limited edition number, please contact hello@sarahbraybrook.com immediately for a swift resolution.