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 Tasmania was the sixth in the series and issued in 1991. It was
joined by Victoria, South Australia, New South Wales, Queensland, Western Australia, 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 Queensland. The
legend
reads "10 DOLLARS" at the bottom and "TASMANIA" at the top. The obverse
features Raphael Maklouf's portrait of her Majesty Queen Elizabeth with the
legend
reading "ELIZABETH II AUSTRALIA 1991". 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, 1991".
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.
Tasmania is an island and one state of the Commonwealth of Australia. It was named after Abel Tasman, who is reportedly
the first European to sight the island back in 1642. Tasman originallynamed it Van Diemen's Land but it became Tasmania in
1856.
(Wikipedia, 2013)
A number of navigators sighted and landed on the island in the 18th century but it wasn't until 1802 that the first British
settlers arrived on Tasmania. Most of the early settlers were convicts and in 1825 it became it's own colony separated from
New south Wales. During the late 19th century the economy began to flourish with strong trade links with the British Empire
and becoming a world centre for ship building. It was in 1917 that the Coat of arms was granted to the island state of Tasmania
by King George V. On the shield are various images that represent the industry on Tasmania including apples, a sheaf of wheat,
hops, and a ram. The crest features the red lion that is also present in the state badge and in the lions paw is a pick and
shovel. Supporters on either side are the Tasmanian Tiger that is thought to have lived only on Tasmania and isnow be extinct.The
motto inLatinreads "Ubertas et Fidelitas" which translates as "Fertility and Faithfulness".
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