New South Wales 1813 Colonial Dump Fine/nFine

NSW 1813 Dump (Fifteen Pence) - A/1 Type

Condition: The original 8 Reales host coin showing parts on the reverse, surface marks. Toned FINE/nFINE

The Holey Dollar and Dump are the only Australian coins which have had their ‘legal tender’ status removed or been ‘demonetised’.

Of the 40 000 original Spanish dollars the records indicate that around 39 910 survived the production process. 200 years later approximately 1 500 dumps have survived. Of those less than 1 000 are able to be identified the balance being worn beyond recognition. Little did Lachlan Macquarie Governor of the colony of NSW realise the legacy that these small coins would provide for future historians and numismatists.

Documentation on the method of manufacture used in the production of the dump has never been found. The method proposed is conjecture based on technology and tools available in the colony at the time. It is safe to assume that whatever machinery was employed it was hand operated as the first steam engine did not become operational in the colony until 1815. Likely production candidates are the screw press drop hammer or hand held punch with the drop hammer method onto a pre-heated plug generally regarded as the most likely.

On A/1 types a symmetrical cross at the top of the crown is positioned between the T and H in SOUTH above. The first pearl in the band on the crown touches the base while the last touches the top. On the reverse the words FIFTEEN and PENCE are 4.5mm apart with the upstroke of the T in FIFTEEN above the centre of the N in PENCE. All of the major design features show evidence of recutting or duplication.

RARE IN THIS CONDITION!

• Provenance: Roxbury's Auction Queensland Sale 5/5/1993 Lot# 2523 Sold as FINE @$2800.00