Proclamation Coins

Australian Proclamation coins are coins of the first fleet – they were brought on board various ships on their way to Australia. You can find proclamation coins from the Netherlands, Spain, Portugal, India, various south American countries and of course England. These coins were the first currency of the new colony of Australia with the third Governor of NSW, Phillip Gidley King declaring them as legal tender. These coins serve as an important part of Australian history and are a great addition for a collector who has a keen interest in this part of history.

Official coins recognised by the Proclamation

In November 1800, Governor King of the colony of New South Wales issued a Proclamation which stated that only certain foreign coins could be used in the colony, and they would have fixed values from then on. Previously, coins from all over the world had been used in colonial Australia due to the high numbers of foreign traders visiting the colonies.
From the Proclamation onwards, the only coins which were recognised in NSW were:

• Great Britain: Gold Guinea, Silver Shilling, Cartwheel Copper Penny
• Spain (and Spanish colonies): Silver 8 Reales
• Netherlands: Gold Ducat, Silver Guilder
• Portugal: Gold Johanna, Gold Half Johanna
• India: Gold Pagoda, Silver Rupee

These were each given an Australian value slightly higher than they had in their home countries, to address the coin shortage in Australia’s colonies at that time.
Proclamation coins were only recognised until 1829 when the English Pound officially became the legal currency of all Australian colonies.

As the market was flooded with English coins from 1825 onwards, Proclamation coins became increasingly rare from this time. Today, they are valuable collector’s items and an important part of Australian history.

Why choose KJC for Numismatic Coins? 

• Kurt Jaggard is a renowned figure in the global Numismatic community, particularly celebrated for his expertise in the Australia Gold Sovereign series. His name carries significant recognition and is frequently cited in the sale of rare coins at leading auctions worldwide. 
• Kurt Jaggards’ extensive experience extends not only to the establishment of KJC Coins Australia Pty Ltd in 1995 but also to his prior role as Managing Director and co-owner of Jaggards, a legacy coin dealership established in 1963 by his parents. Jaggards has since changed hands and is now operated by individuals unrelated to the Jaggards family’s legacy, history or expertise. 
• Kurt Jaggard’s involvement, both direct and indirect, spans the majority of the world’s leading and highest-quality Australian Gold Sovereign Collections. Notable collections include the Duoro Cargo Hoard, Sharps Pixley Collection, and Robert Jaggard Collection among numerous others. Additionally, Kurt Jaggard has amassed a selection of the finest-known Queen Victoria Australian Gold Sovereigns. His extensive International experience and connections around the world have enabled him to assist collectors in sourcing rare pieces and completing Australian Gold Sovereign sets, both directly and indirectly with suppliers and personal collectors. 
• KJC Coins Australia Pty Ltd remains a family-run, multi-generational company. Kurt and Nathalie Jaggard continue to lead the company, and their daughter, Remie Jaggard, holds the position of Business Manager for day-to-day operations. This continuity ensures that our name, vast experience, and exceptional international reputation persist for the benefit of our valued clientele. 

Kurt Jaggard Coins (KJC) Establishment & Notable Achievements:

• In 1995, Kurt Jaggard Co (KJC) Coins Australia Pty Ltd was founded by Kurt & Nathalie Jaggard
• In 1998, KJC secured an exclusive agency agreement with the French Mint during the 1998 World Cup, demonstrating our commitment to international partnerships and prestigious events. 
• In 1999, KJC proudly assumed the role as the exclusive official supplier of the complete Gold Sovereign collections (1899-1931) for the momentous Perth Mint Centenary celebrations. Every coin was meticulously sourced, authenticated, and personally graded by Kurt Jaggard, highlighting our renowned reputation and dedication to Numismatic excellence. 
• Leading up to the Sydney Olympics in 2000, KJC secured nationwide contracts with Thomas Cook Limited
• In 2006, KJC’s public auction division, KJC Monetary Auctions, achieved a groundbreaking sale by setting the world record with the sale of a 1920 Sydney Gold Sovereign, which realised $582,500. Our commitment to the rare coin market’s growth and prestige is evident in this achievement.