2012 $1 Coin - Wheat Sheaf Dollar - 'M' Counterstamp

2012 $1 Wheat Sheaf Dollar – ANDA Melbourne Money Expo 'M' Counterstamp

This commemorative $1 coin was released by the Royal Australian Mint to pay tribute to one of Australia’s most beloved pre-decimal designs: the Wheat Sheaf. Originally designed by George Kruger Gray, the iconic wheat sheaf motif appeared on Australian threepences from 1938 until the transition to decimal currency in 1964.

This specific edition features the 'M' Counterstamp, applied exclusively during the ANDA Melbourne Money Expo in 2012, designating it as a scarce show-only release.

Key Features and Specifications

• Year of Issue: 2012
• Event: ANDA Melbourne Money Expo
• Theme: Tribute to the Pre-Decimal Wheat Sheaf Threepence
• Counterstamp: Special 'M' (Melbourne) mark, signifying its status as an expo-exclusive strike.
• Reverse Design: Features a detailed interpretation of the classic wheat sheaf, a symbol of Australia’s agricultural heritage.
• Obverse Design: Features the Ian Rank-Broadley effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
• Composition: Aluminium Bronze
• Legal Tender: Official Australian $1 coin.

Historical Significance

The "Wheat Sheaf" threepence is a nostalgic icon of the Australian pre-decimal era. By reproducing this design on the modern dollar coin, the Royal Australian Mint bridges the gap between the history of the pound/shilling/pence system and current decimal coinage, making it a favourite for collectors of heritage-themed issues.

Condition and Presentation

The coin is housed in its original official ANDA Melbourne Money Expo distribution card.

Condition Note: Please be aware that minor wear to the presentation card may be present due to the age of the issue. To ensure the long-term protection of the coin, some specimens may be transferred to archival-quality Mylar coin flips if the original plastic housing has become brittle or compromised.