WHAT PRICE AUSTRALIAN HISTORY?

"Whoever buys one of these 12 coins will be among the privileged few to possess a rare and invaluable part of early European history in Australia.  These Holey Dollars and Dumps of New South Wales are not only symbolic of how we evolved as a nation, but the remarkable circumstances around its earliest years."

For Charles Leski, an auctioneer of coins, stamps and other collectibles for more than 50 years, the collection of 6 Holey Dollars (aka 'ring dollars') and 6 Dumps (aka 'quarter dollars') represents the holy grail for collectors looking to own the first official currency of colonial Australia.   

He says that if not for the ill-health of the vendor, the public would be unlikely to have known about the collection or the passion behind it for many more years. 

"The circumstances that brought the collection to us were unforeseen," he said. "It's hard to describe the emotions at our first meeting about this project."

Leski says in the early 1980s, the vendor saw an opportunity to acquire Holey Dollars and Dumps, which have been described as 'the first gazetted and minted coinage for the land that became Australia'.  This was a single-minded passion for more than a decade.  Today, forty years later, we are presented with a group of coins that represents the largest collection of its type in private hands, anywhere in the world. 

Every country on earth wants to preserve its heritage.  This is a seminal moment in time for collectors who understand the importance of this unique collection to Australia, and its place in the world. Dr Alex Byrne, a former NSW State Librarian, said, "Historically, the Holey Dollar is extraordinarily important. It's about this country developing all aspects of a civilised society."

Just prior to 1813, the Governor, Lachlan Macquarie, sought the approval of the British Parliament to issue a special currency, as a way of breaking the uncontrolled spread of currencies, including rum, by criminals in the colony of New South Wales. 

"Surprisingly, William Henshall, the man chosen to engrave the dies and construct the coin press, was an emancipated convict transported to New South Wales after being found guilty of forging currency." Leski says.  "Ironic, comes to mind."

Leski says that no two coins are identical.  "This is unknown in the striking of official government-approved currency in any other country."

He says the uniqueness of the collection - and its international appeal - can also be understood when one considers that the Royal Australian Mint in Canberra, the Reserve Bank of Australia Museum in Sydney, the National Gallery of Victoria, Yale University in the US state of Connecticut, the Mint & Barracks Museum, and the National Museum of Australia, each hold a single example of the Holey Dollar.

The collection has a pre-sale estimate of up to $1.5 million.  Leski says the lots will be sold individually, although the auction house will consider a sale of the entire collection as a single lot. 

The catalogue is available online with extensive details about each coin.  The Holey Dollars and Dumps are the centrepiece of a 500-lot auction of coins and banknotes from around the world.

The auction will be held on Sunday, June 30th, 2024 from 12 midday.  Details can be found at www.leski.com.au 

About Leski Auctions
Leski Auctions was established in 1973. Today, it is regarded as one of Australia's leading auctioneers of Sporting Memorabilia, Australian Art & Antiques, Collectibles and World Philately.  Among the many significant collections that Leski Auctions has been privileged to sell are those of Shirley Strickland, Ron Clarke, Sir Reginald Ansett and General Sir John Monash.  It has sold more 'baggy green' caps than any other auction house in the world.

Charles Leski is a registered valuer for the Department of Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts' Cultural Gifts Program.  He is also the valuer of the displayed items at the National Sports Museum at the MCG, Melbourne.  

The company is located at 727-729 High Street Armadale, Victoria 3143 Australia.  
Tel +61 3 8539 6150/+61 412 053 692 and www.leski.com.au