This
commemorative
ten Dollar coin is one piece from an 8 coin set known as the State Series. They were released in an annual basis between
the years of 1985-1993, excluding the year 1988. Each coin commemorates a different Australian State or Territory and bears
the Coat of Arms of each one. This coin paying tribute to the State of Victoria was the first to be issued in 1985. It was
followed by South Australia, New South Wales, Queensland, Western Australia, Tasmania, Northern Territory and Australian
Capital Territory. Each of the coins were produced in sterling silver in both
proof
and mint state condition. The reverse of
the coin was designed by Horst Hahne and features the Coats of Arms of Victoria. The
legend
reads 10 DOLLARS below and 1835.VICTORIA.1985. above and the central image. These dates represent the years that the
State of Victoria was established and the year in which the coin was released. This coin commemorates the State's 150 year
anniversary of establishment. The obverse features Raphael Maklouf's
portrait of her Majesty Queen Elizabeth with the
legend
reading ELIZABETH II AUSTRALIA 1985 The two different versions of the coin were issued in different kinds of packaging. The
proof
coin was issued in a black, hinged presentation box. The outer box of which reads ROYAL AUSTRALIAN MINT, $10 PROOF COIN,
STATE SERIES, 1985. The mint state
specimen
was sealed onto a card and presented in a wallet style case also including a description card which provided a brief
introduction to the history of the state. Once the entire series had been released a large black presentation case was issued
suitable to house the entire series.
Victoria is currently Australia's most densely populated state and has had an interesting history since the presence of
the first European settlers to the area in 1803.
(Wikipedia, 2013)
Before this time it was home to a significant number of aborigines. In 1835,much of what we now know as Victoria became
the Port Phillips District and had soon become its own colony separate from New south Wales. During the 1850's and 60's the
population began to significantly increase largely thanks to the Victorian gold rush and the colony began to prosper financially.
Melbourne became the capital of Australia with Parliament held there on a temporary basis until the completed construction
of Canberra and the parliament building in 1927. The State of Victoria was granted arms in 1910 by King George V. On achieving
arms it was decided that the design should incorporate the elements that were included in the state badge should be brought
forward to the state of arms. This included the Southern Cross and the crown. The states motto, Peace and Prosperity appears
as does a kangaroo and the state colours of silver and blue.
(About Victoria, 2013)
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