Limited Edition '1899 Perth Mint Proof Half Sovereign'

An artwork that captures a golden era of Australian coinage.

What makes this coin so compelling?

At first you may see the most recognised coin design of the 19th and early 20th century, St George and the Dragon by Benedetto Pistrucci. You may also wonder what makes an Australian coin with the world’s most recognised design so special? The die for this design famously travelled across the seas to become the Perth Mint’s very first half sovereign, proof-struck in 1899 and is the only one of its kind. Reimagining this coin as art meant translating the brilliance of gold into pencil, building lustre and depth from many colours, layer by layer, to capture the light and life of the original proof. Over 60 hours were poured into this work, because a coin this rare deserves nothing less than precision and respect.

Look closely at the finished piece and you’ll see what makes Pistrucci’s design endure. The powerful form of the horse. The energy in St George, locked in battle. The dragon’s muscle, teeth, and claws, fierce even at this small scale. Even the denticles around the rim shift depending on how the light falls, each one unique.

This was the world’s most recognised coin design through the 19th and early 20th centuries. And yet, this half sovereign tells a story all of its own. Struck at the height of the Western Australian gold boom, and in the Perth Mint’s opening year, this unique coin represented prosperity, hope, and the wealth of a young nation. This is a coin most will never see unless on public display, but through this artwork, its detail, presence, and story are here to be experienced.

Only 30 prints are available, each signed, numbered, and issued with a certificate of authenticity.

Product details

  • Ultra 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 colour pencil drawing

  • 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

Creating this piece was about more than replicating detail, it was about capturing the essence and importance of the coin. The light that falls on proof gold. The interplay of strength and delicacy in Pistrucci’s composition. The way this coin carries both artistry and history.

This artwork bridges worlds:

  • The genius of Benedetto Pistrucci in London.
  • The legacy of dies sent across oceans to Perth.
  • The wealth of the Western Australian gold boom.
  • The optimism of the Perth Mint striking its very first proof half sovereign.

Preserving more than rarity, through art you are invited to experience this coin and the values it represents.

Prosperity. Hope, and new beginnings.
 
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
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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.