Australia 1959(m) Silver Florin ‘Emu’s Egg’ PCGS MS63(m)

• 1959 Melbourne Mint florin, certified PCGS MS63
• 50% silver composition; nominal 11.31 g weight and 28.5 mm diameter
• Mary Gillick portrait of Queen Elizabeth II and George Kruger Gray’s Coat of Arms reverse
• “Emu’s Egg” die feature between the emu’s legs, and highly sought after by collectors.
• Circulation-issue mintage of 3,500,000, distinct from the separate proof issue
• Individual PCGS holder, certification 27002096

George Kruger Gray’s crowned Coat of Arms brings the kangaroo, emu and six-state shield together on this 1959 silver florin. Wattle frames the design, while Mary Gillick’s laureate portrait of Queen Elizabeth II appears on the obverse. Close inspection of the reverse reveals the small raised feature between the emu’s legs that collectors call the “Emu’s Egg”, a familiar detail of the date’s circulation issue.

Struck at Melbourne and certified PCGS MS63, this example represents Australia’s pre-decimal two-shilling denomination in Mint State condition. The interest lies in its heraldic design, silver alloy and independently assigned grade, not an unsupported claim that the “egg” is a rare error. Add this characterful Melbourne florin to your graded Australian silver at FORTYMILLION.

Specifications

The supplied PCGS population snapshot records 124 at MS63 for the 1959 Melbourne florin as at 28 October 2026. This is a grading-report count, not the original mintage or the total number of surviving coins. Population figures can change. View the PCGS Population Report for Elizabeth II florins, 1953–1963 (opens in a new tab).

The circulation mintage is an original production figure, not a PCGS population or a count of surviving Mint State examples. View the Benchmark Catalogue’s 1959 florin specifications and die-feature notes or read the circulation and proof-issue reference (links open in new tabs).

Understanding the “Emu’s Egg”

The nickname refers to a small raised blob or pointed feature on the ground between the emu’s legs. Catalogue references describe it as a die flaw associated with the 1959 circulation issue, rather than a scarce error confined to a few coins. The separate proof issue is described as lacking this feature. Its presence alone does not establish rarity or a price premium.

The PCGS holder identifies this coin as a 1959(m) florin graded MS63. It does not separately name an “Emu’s Egg” variety on the label. View the PCGS certification record (opens in a new tab).

The Sheldon Grading Scale

The Sheldon Grading Scale is a 70-point numerical system used by grading services such as PCGS and NGC to assess coin condition. Originally developed for early United States large cents, it was later adapted for wider numismatic use. Not every integer is assigned a grade. These summaries are adapted from PCGS standards; grade 63 is highlighted for this MS63 coin.

MS means Mint State and describes condition without circulation wear. It does not mean a coin is free of marks: marks, lustre, strike and eye appeal help distinguish numerical grades. PR (PCGS) or PF denotes Proof, a method of manufacture, not an automatic claim of perfect condition. Handling or bag marks alone do not establish circulation wear. Read the PCGS grading standards (opens in a new tab).

Q. What does MS63 mean?
A. MS means Mint State, indicating no circulation wear under the service’s standards. Grade 63 permits a moderate number or size of marks or hairlines, and the strike may not be full.

Q. Is the “Emu’s Egg” a rare error?
A. No rarity claim is made for this feature. It is described in catalogue references as characteristic of the 1959 circulation issue, not a rare isolated error.

Q. Has PCGS separately attributed the “Emu’s Egg” on this holder?
A. No. The photographed label reads 1959(m), Florin, PCGS MS63. The nickname describes the visible reverse feature.

Q. Is this a proof florin?
A. No. It is a standard circulation-issue florin certified in Mint State condition. The separate proof issue is not the coin offered here.

Q. How much silver does it contain?
A. The alloy is 50% silver. At its nominal 11.31 g weight, that represents 5.655 g of fine silver, approximately 0.1818 troy oz.

Q. What was a florin worth in the pre-decimal system?
A. One florin equalled two shillings, or one-tenth of an Australian pound.