2013 Australian Holey Dollar & Dump 2-Coin Set

200th Anniversary of the Australian Dollar & Dump

As the first coins struck in New South Wales, the Holey Dollar and Dump hold an unequalled place in Australian numismatic history. In the early 1800s the colony had moved on from being a mere penal outpost and was fast developing into a well-established settlement, however, there was still no local currency.

Coinage was in such short supply that barter, particularly rum, and promissory notes had become the principal means of exchange. Promissory notes were privately issued by colonists on specially printed forms, but all too often were used fraudulently. Seeking an immediate remedy to the situation, Governor Macquarie authorized the issue of the colony’s own currency.

In 1813, he had the centers punched out from 40,000 Spanish dollars that the British Government had purchased in Madras through the East India Company. The outer ring (Holey Dollar) and center (Dump) were counter-stamped with the name of the colony and their new monetary values, five shillings and fifteen pence, respectively.

The coins provided a vital short-term solution to the colony’s currency crisis and remained in official circulation until 1829 when they were demonetized.

The reverse of the Holey Dollar replicates the original dollar, including the outer inscription, DEI GRATIA 1788 CAROLUS III, with the inner rim inscription reading NEW SOUTH WALES 1813.

The reverse of the Dump replicates the original dump, depicting a crown and the inscription NSW 1813.

Each coin’s obverse depicts the Ian Rank-Broadley effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, the year-date and monetary denomination.

Each coin is presented in a display case with illustrated shipper and numbered Certificate of Authenticity.

Call 1-888-726-5558 to place your order by phone and receive discounts when you pay by check or bank wire.