George V 1931 P Gold Sovereign NGC MS 65

AUSTRALIA. George V, 1910-36.
Gold Sovereign, 1931 P. Perth.
Bare head left, BM on truncation; GEORGIVS V D. G. BRITT: OMN: REX F. D. IND: IMP:. / St George on horseback slaying the dragon right, no WWP under lance; mintmark P in groundline; date and B.P. in exergue. Edge milled.

The 1931 sovereign brought more than three decades of sovereign production at Perth to a close. The mint had begun striking the denomination in 1899, transforming the gold of Western Australia into coins that circulated throughout the British Empire. Its final issue coincided with Australia’s departure from the gold standard and marked the end of circulating sovereign production in the country.

The coin carries the smaller, modified portrait of George V introduced at Perth in 1929. Created by Melbourne-born sculptor Bertram Mackennal, the revised effigy was intended to improve the striking of the coin and was paired with Benedetto Pistrucci’s St George and the Dragon. The small ‘P’ identifies the last sovereign issue of the Perth Mint.

A little over 1.17 million examples were struck. Graded NGC MS65, the present coin survives in exceptional condition for this historically significant final issue. NGC records just two examples in finer grade, placing it among highest echelons available on the market.

In secure plastic holder, graded NGC MS 65 , certification number 6692981-012.

NGC Census in this grade: 24.
NGC Census in higher grade: 2
Reference: S-4002; Marsh-270; McD-294
Weight: 7.99g. (AGW=0.2355 oz.)
Diameter: 22mm.
Mintage: 1,173,568.
Composition: 917/1000 Gold.

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