Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to the questions we are most commonly asked about our cases, materials, ordering, and the collection.
If your question is not answered here, please contact us directly — Bradley and Cristy-Anne respond personally to every message.
About the Cases
What are Thomas Anne cases made from?
Thomas Anne cases are constructed from Mahogany Family Hardwood — a group of tropical hardwoods that includes Meranti, known for its straight grain, dimensional stability, and natural durability. The cases are fitted with solid brass locks and hinges — not brass-plated base metal — and lined with precision-cut archival-grade inert foam recesses. Coin capsules are included with every case in the appropriate size for the denomination ordered.
What is archival foam and why does it matter?
Archival-grade inert foam is a closed-cell foam material confirmed to be chemically inert — it will not off-gas, react with, or leach compounds onto coin surfaces over time. This matters because many inexpensive coin storage products use PVC-based foam, which releases chlorine compounds as it ages. These compounds react with the copper content of Australian decimal coins, causing irreversible surface damage known as PVC haze. Thomas Anne uses only archival-grade inert foam in all coin recesses.
Are the recesses sized precisely to each denomination?
Yes. Each recess in a Thomas Anne case is cut to the exact capsule dimensions for the denomination ordered. A $1 case has recesses sized for $1 coin capsules; a $2 case for $2 capsules. Precision-fit recesses hold coins securely without movement, preventing the micro-scratching that occurs when coins shift within oversized recesses. This is one of the most important distinctions between Thomas Anne cases and generic alternatives.
What is the engraving on the lid?
The engraving on Thomas Anne case lids is produced by a process called paint ablation — the laser removes paint from a pre-painted timber surface to reveal the natural wood beneath. This produces clean, permanent line work with high contrast between the painted surface and the revealed timber. Standard cases feature a denomination designation engraved on the lid. The Coat of Arms variant features the Australian Coat of Arms. Custom text engraving is available on request.
Are Thomas Anne cases suitable for proof coins and uncirculated specimens?
Yes. The archival inert foam and precision-fit coin capsules prevent contact between coin surfaces and case materials. Coins are fully enclosed in their individual capsules, protecting against contact, abrasion, and environmental exposure. These properties make Thomas Anne cases suitable for proof sets, uncirculated coins, and any specimen where preservation of original surface condition is a priority.
Does the case come with capsules?
Yes. Every Thomas Anne case is supplied with the appropriate coin capsules for the denomination and format ordered. You do not need to source capsules separately.
The Leviathan
What is the Leviathan?
The Leviathan is the Thomas Anne grand archive structure — a large-format display case measuring 36cm × 28cm × 8cm, designed to house a complete or near-complete Australian decimal coin collection. It accommodates up to 200 coins across four independently configurable coin inserts. Each insert can be specified by denomination, allowing collectors to configure the case for their specific collection. The Leviathan features a precision-routed acrylic retention panel in the lid that holds inserts securely while maintaining full visibility of the collection through the closed case.
How does the Leviathan insert configuration work?
When ordering the Leviathan, collectors specify the denomination for each of the four inserts independently. For example, a collector with a complete $1 series and a complete $2 series could configure two $1 inserts and two $2 inserts. A collector focused on a single denomination could configure all four inserts for that denomination. Thomas Anne confirms the final configuration with each customer before production begins — the Leviathan is not dispatched without this confirmation step.
When will the Leviathan be available?
The Leviathan public pre-order opens mid-to-late April 2026, with dispatch targeted for late May 2026. Collectors who joined the waitlist prior to the public opening have access to a waitlist price. To register interest, visit the Leviathan page or contact Thomas Anne directly.
What is the price of the Leviathan?
The Leviathan public price is $249 AUD. A waitlist price is available to collectors who registered interest prior to the public pre-order opening. Full payment is taken at time of order. A refund is available prior to production commencement; once production has begun, the order is committed.
Ordering and Delivery
How long does it take to receive a Thomas Anne case?
Thomas Anne cases are made to order in South Australia. Standard cases are typically dispatched within five to ten business days of ordering. The Leviathan has a longer production window due to its complexity — dispatch timing is confirmed at order. Customers receive a dispatch notification with tracking when their case leaves our hands.
Does Thomas Anne ship across Australia?
Yes. Thomas Anne ships to all Australian states and territories. Free shipping is available on orders over $100. Shipping is calculated at checkout for orders below this threshold. All orders are tracked from dispatch.
Can I order a Thomas Anne case as a gift?
Yes. Thomas Anne offers gift wrapping on standard cases — a single case can be gift wrapped for $5, or multiple cases for $15 per case. A personalised dedication message can be included in the founders’ letter, printed alongside the standard letter content and delivered with the case. To include a dedication, enter the message at checkout or contact Thomas Anne directly before ordering.
What is included in every Thomas Anne order?
Every Thomas Anne order includes the case with denomination-appropriate coin capsules installed in each recess, the founders’ introduction letter printed on fine stock and signed by hand by both Bradley and Cristy-Anne, a pair of cotton inspection gloves, and a microfibre cleaning cloth. Nothing is omitted from any order regardless of order size.
What is the Thomas Anne returns policy?
Because every Thomas Anne case is made to order, returns due to change of mind cannot be accepted once production has commenced. If a case arrives damaged or with a defect, Thomas Anne will replace it. Please contact us directly within 14 days of receipt with details and photographs of any issue — we stand behind every case we make.
The Founders’ Letter
What is the Thomas Anne founders’ letter?
Every Thomas Anne case includes a founders’ introduction letter — a printed letter from Bradley Thomas and Cristy-Anne, addressed to the collector receiving the case. The letter speaks directly to the significance of what the collector has built and what the case is intended to represent. It is signed by hand by both founders on every copy. It is not a marketing insert — it is a personal communication from the people who made the case to the person who will use it.
Can I include a personal message in a gift order?
Yes. For gift orders, a personal dedication from the gift-giver can be included in the founders’ letter — printed in the dedication panel alongside the standard letter content. The dedication is presented as a distinct, named section within the letter. To include a dedication, provide the message text when ordering or contact Thomas Anne before your order is placed.
About Thomas Anne
Where is Thomas Anne Collectibles based?
Thomas Anne Collectibles is based in South Australia. All cases are made to order in South Australia by Bradley Thomas and Cristy-Anne. The business does not operate retail premises — it sells directly to collectors through thomasannecollectibles.com.au.
Why is the business called Thomas Anne?
Thomas is Bradley’s middle name. Anne is Cristy-Anne’s middle name. The business was named for its founders deliberately — so that everything made under that name carries the weight of a real name and the accountability that comes with it.
How can I contact Thomas Anne?
The best way to reach Thomas Anne is through the contact form on our website. For enquiries about the Leviathan, custom configurations, or corporate and gift orders, Bradley and Cristy-Anne respond personally to every message.
We read every message personally. If your question is not covered here, contact us directly and we will respond.
Contact UsHandcrafted timber coin display cases for the Australian decimal collector.
Made to order in South Australia by Bradley Thomas & Cristy-Anne.
Thomas Anne Collectibles — thomasannecollectibles.com.au — South Australia, Australia. Last updated April 2026.