PCGS Recognizes Two Scarce Australian Doubled Dies

By PCGS - October 7, 2024

PCGS recently encapsulated a rare and unusual Australian 1943 Half Penny and 1977 2 Cents, both exhibiting doubled die obverse varieties newly recognized by PCGS

*This 1943 Australian Half Penny is recognized as a doubled die by PCGS. Images courtesy of PCGS. Click image to enlarge.*

*PCGS recognizes this 1977 Australian 2 Cents as a doubled die. Images courtesy of PCGS. Click image to enlarge.*

(Santa Ana, California) – A recent submission at PCGS underscores the continued dominance the company has as the foremost grader of world coinage. This submission by a major Australian coin dealer included a 1943 Australian Half Penny and 1977 Australian 2 Cents, both featuring obverse doubled die varieties that are being recognized by PCGS.

“We love receiving rare and unusual world coin varieties like these cool 1943 Half Penny and 1977 Australian 2 Cents coins,” says PCGS President Stephanie Sabin. “PCGS continues to recognize and certify varieties for coinage from around the world. Australia is no exception, and PCGS is proud to add these examples to its ever-growing census.”

The coins were submitted to PCGS by way of Drake Sterling Numismatics, an Australian PCGS Authorized Dealer who sent them to PCGS on behalf of an individual in Perth, Australia. These scarce varieties both exhibit significant obverse doubling that can be seen with the unaided eye.

The 1943 Australian Half Penny shows heavy doubling in the inscription “GEORGIVS VI D : G : BR : OMN : REX F : D : IND : IMP.” It is the first such doubled die recognized by PCGS.

The 1977 Australia 2 Cents obverse doubled die is also the first variety of its kind to be recognized by PCGS. This scarce variety exhibits heavy doubling with significant spread in the inscriptions “ELIZABETH II” and “AUSTRALIA” as well as the date “1977.” The mint of origin cannot be 100% ascertained, though the coin most likely hailed from the Perth Mint.

Adds Sabin, “Being entrusted to encapsulate these two varieties exemplifies the confidence that world coin dealers and collectors have in PCGS and its attribution services.”

To submit your world coins, banknotes, and other numismatic items, please visit https://www.pcgs.com/services.

About PCGS

PCGS is a third-party coin and banknote grading company that was launched in 1986. Over 35 years, PCGS has examined and certified more than 54.3 million U.S. and world coins, medals, and tokens with a combined value of over $53.3 billion. For more information about PCGS products and services, including how to submit your coins for authentication and grading, please visit www.PCGS.com or call PCGS Customer Service at (800) 447-8848.

Errors Australian