1882 Melbourne Half Sovereign PCGS MS64+
S-3863A, fourth head, with bun closer to the "G" of "Gratia". We’ve handled thousands of half sovereigns over the years, and while many have received high grades with PCGS, few have also been assigned the coveted “+” designation (which is only awarded to coins with superior eye appeal). This 1882M half sovereign is from a small hoard discovered in Ballarat in 1978, and is the nicest young head half sovereign we’ve handled—ever. It is fresh, and retains an as-struck appearance, as though it were put aside the day it was minted. Lustre cartwheels about both ‘verses, while the strike is so deep one could be mistaken for thinking the coin were a specimen or proof. Most noteworthy are the coin’s proof-like and highly-reflective obverse fields, which is what earns the coin a plus grade. Rarely preserved, proof-like fields are the first characteristic of a coin to suffer the ravages of circulation: Very few coins, even mint state coins, retain their proof-like appearance. Overall, if you’re a sophisticated numismatist seeking an extraordinary early half sovereign, or a type set collector looking for the best type coin money can buy, this is your coin. The single-finest young head half sovereign graded by PCGS (12/23) across the series. Professional Coin Grading Service is the global leader in coin authentication and grading. With over 60 million coins graded and counting, PCGS is trusted by collectors, dealers, and investors to certify authenticity, protect value, and elevate market confidence. This is a direct conversion of the 70-point PCGS grade to a 10-point scale, intended to present the grade in a more intuitive format for newer collectors. It is not our personal opinion or an attempt at regrading the coin to a different standard. To understand how the 70-point scale converts to a 10-point scale, [click here](https://drakesterling.com/en/page/the-ten-point-coin-grading-scale).