1916 Calcutta Mule Halfpenny PCGS XF40
Among the elite tier of Australian numismatic rarities—think Adelaide Pounds, key sovereign rarities, and iconic base metal issues like the 1930 penny and square pennies—one coin stands alone: the 1916 halfpenny mule. Struck in error at the Calcutta Mint with the obverse of an Indian quarter anna, this hybrid slipped into circulation unnoticed. Fewer than a dozen pieces are known today. The first surfaced in 1965, sparking headlines and a national frenzy as collectors combed their change in hope of striking gold (or in this case, copper). Since then, only a handful have hit the open market, each time snapped up and absorbed into major collections. The present coin comes with serious pedigree. Ex the Dennis Gardner Collection, it last appeared publicly in Noble Numismatics’ November 2010 auction, realising nearly $100,000. We acquired it directly from the purchaser and submitted it to PCGS, where it graded it XF40, ranking it amongst the finest graded (7/25). Whether you’re a serious collector chasing that final crown jewel or a connoisseur after something few others will ever own, now is the time. Call to discuss. 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).