2016 50th Anniversary of Decimal Currency (Changeover) 6 Coin Proof Set
On the 50th anniversary of Australian decimal currency, the Royal Australian Mint’s annual Six Coin Proof Set is both a memento of 2016 and a poignant reflection on the special place that coins have in Australian history. The beloved circulating designs of today are joined by depictions of Australia’s pre decimal coins on the obverse celebrating then and now.
HISTORY AND SIGNIFICANCE
The story of Australian currency runs parallel with the nation’s history of progression. As early European settlers improvised a monetary system, international coins, promissory notes and the infamous rum trade were all visible in the early 1800s. The first coins ‘minted’ in Australia were created by removing a piece from the centre of a Spanish dollar, forming two separate coins known as the Holey Dollar and Dump.
The gold rush of the mid-19th Century resulted in many unofficial tokens and ingots until the Sydney Mint opened in 1855, producing sovereigns which were largely identical to their British counterparts. This English influence remained strong and the new national currency of 1910 inevitably emulated English pounds, shillings and pence.
On 14 February 1966, the changeover to decimal currency transformed the nation, as Australia joined a worldwide currency trend. The uniquely Australian images of the decimal coins are still cherished on their 50th anniversary.
FEATURES AND DESIGN
- Continuing the Royal Australian Mint’s annual tradition of releasing Six Coin Proof Sets
- A celebration of the 50th anniversary of decimal currency in Australia
- As a tribute to Australia’s coin history, each coin features depictions of coin designs from today and years past
- Finished to the Royal Australian Mint’s exacting proof standard