Holey Dollars & Dumps

Lot 1262    Session 5 (7.30pm Wednesday)    Holey Dollars & Dumps

Estimate $3,000
Bid at live.noble.com.au
SOLD $2,900

NEW SOUTH WALES, fifteen pence or dump, 1813 (Mira dies D/2). Pierced for wear, reverse shaved smooth and engraved '29/10/12' in centre otherwise fine and an interesting memento of colonial Australia and Gallipoli.

The date is believed to commemorate the day the owner's brother was killed working on the Sydney trams. The owner, Arthur Richard Robinson (29 April 1888-?), carried this coin as a good-luck charm during World War I. After enlisting on 18 August 1914 he joined 4th Battalion and embarked for Gallipoli, where he was among the last group to be evacuated. From Gallipoli he went to Pozieres where he suffered a serious shrapnel wound to his right shoulder and lower jaw, resulting in his return to Sydney for recuperation. He resumed service at the front withher was 4th Battalion 24 April 1917 and returned to Sydney 18 June 1919, having attained the rank of lieutenant. His brother was Alfred Robinson (28.2.1891-29.10.1912). Includes colour patch and badge of Arthur Robinson (recipient of World War I trio) and a photo of each brother.