1887-M Melbourne Sovereign, DISH M4. One of the original Jubilee Head sovereign varieties struck at Melbourne following the introduction of Sir Joseph Edgar Boehm’s new portrait in 1887. The M4 is identified by the distinctive lower and closely spaced J.E.B. initials with hooked J, hand-punched into the truncation by William Poplet. Mint records show that six pairs of these initialled obverse dies were supplied to Melbourne, although only four varieties, M1–M4, have so far been identified on surviving coins. The reverse depicts St George and the Dragon, with the M mintmark above the exergue, date below and B.P. to the right. An important and extremely rare early Melbourne Jubilee Head variety, rated R4.

Coin Specifications

Struck - Melbourne Mint ('M') First Obverse Type

Calendar Year Mintage 940,000 / DISH M4 Est 42,727

Ref Spink S.3867 / Marsh 131B (Rated R4) / DISH M4

Obverse Legend : VICTORIA D:G:BRITT:REG:F:D:

Milled: Rev: BP: Benedetto Pistrucci

Purity 917/1000 gold 

Weight: 7.98g / Diameter: 22.05mm

Obverse by Joseph Edgar Boehm

Featuring Reverse design of St George & the dragon by Benedetto Pistrucci

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