1813 Australia New South Wales Colony Silver Dump – Fair & Rare

Australia’s First Coin

The Holey Dollar and Dump are Australia’s first coins, minted in 1813 by Governor Lachlan Macquarie to create a local currency in the penal colony of New South Wales. Lacking metal coin blanks, Macquarie repurposed 40,000 Spanish Silver Dollars, having convicts punch a hole in each to produce two coins from one. The holed coin became the renowned Holey Dollar, while the silver disc that fell out became the equally iconic Dump.

Each Holey Dollar was stamped with the year 1813, its value of five shillings, and “New South Wales,” while the Dump carried a value of 15 pence. Although Macquarie planned to create 40,000 of each, spoilage and sample dispatches to Britain reduced the final numbers to 39,910. Today, around 800 Dumps remain in circulation, with the best examples being extremely rare and highly sought after by collectors.

The Dump, often overshadowed by the more prominent Holey Dollar, is a key piece of Australian numismatic history. While the Holey Dollar circulated as a higher-value coin, Dumps saw broader use, and top-quality Dumps are far rarer, commanding significant value in the collector’s market. The two coins are inseparable, and collectors who pursue one typically seek the other, driven by the urge for completion.

Certificate of Authenticity

We guarantee the authenticity and grade on our products, unless stated otherwise.

All ancient coins are accompanied by a certificate of authenticity.

In the rare incident you are dissatisfied with an item you purchase from us, simply return it within 7 days (Within Australia) 14 Days (International) and we provide you with a replacement or issue you a refund in full.

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Postage Methods within Australia.

We ship Australia wide using registered signed for delievery

Orders under AUD$199 are sent registered signed for mail

Orders above AUD$200 are sent express signed for mail

Do you ship overseas?

Yes, we ship items overseas, using a number of services. Orders under AUD$199 are automatically sent via international registered mail. Items greater than AUD$200 are sent via Express Courier International service.

Tracking & Proof of Shipment

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