To believe that such an unrivalled rarity survived is almost beyond imagination.   Perhaps it may even be the long-lost 1930 Australian Penny's reverse die?   Ultimately, the actual first in numismatics isn't the first strike of a circulation example or even a presentation specimen — it is the original...

A Resolution and Adventure medal has just been discovered in Wellington, the capital of New Zealand.  The medal, c.1772-73, is linked to Captain Cook’s second voyage to New Zealand, during which such examples were given and traded amongst local Māori communities. With only around a dozen examples found buried in...

Western Roman Empire. Julius Nepos. 474-475 AD. Obverse: D N IVL NEPOS P F AVG. Helmeted, pearl-diademed and cuirassed bust facing three-quarters right, holding spear and shield; the shield decorated with a horseman trampling a fallen foe. Reverse: VICTORIA AVGGG. Victory standing left, holding a long jewelled cross; in left...