This $5 silver
proof
coin commemorates the contributions of The Gold Rush era, for its role in the development of the country as an effective
and successful colony. This coin is just one out of a five piece set of five dollar coins, each struck in sterling silver
and each of which commemorates a person, place or event that played an invaluable role in turning the continent of Australia
from the penal settlement it once was into the thriving nation it is today. On first arrival the Australian terrain provided
a harsh and somewhat hostile environment in which to survive, but thanks to these early efforts in pioneering the country
was able to celebrate industry, communications, transport and economy. All of these things helped to improve the quality
of life that could be sustained by the people. Joining The Gold Rush being commemorated in this culturally significant silver
coin set are Colonel William Light, Elizabeth McArthur, Cobb & Co and Charles Todd. The set, released in 1995 is one
from the Masterpieces in Silver collection and is named 'Colonial Australia.'
The reverse of the coin, designed by Wojciech Pietranik bears the
image of typical workers from the Gold Rush era as well as the equipment and tools that they would have depended on during
this important period of time. The
legend
on this side of the coin reads THE GOLD RUSH ERA. Also featured on the reverse
is the
legend
5 DOLLARS. The obverse features the traditional Maklouf portrait
of Queen Elizabeth II and is surrounded by the
legend
ELIZABETH II AUSTRALIA 1995. This coin along with the remaining four to complete the set was originally packaged in a
simple black box stamped on the outside of the lid with the text 1995 MASTERPIECES IN SILVER and the inner side with ROYAL
AUSTRALIAN MINT. The original collection of which there was a limited
mintage
of 20,000 came with a certificate of authenticity.
Card Included in the 1995 Colonial Australia Collection
The Gold Rush Era was an important period of time for the development of Australia as a nation as it increased the population
by some huge margins. The first gold rush in Australia occurred in 1951 and was triggered by news of similar activities occurring
in California. The presence of gold deposits in and around New South Wales had been discovered previously but it was only
the interest of Gold Prospectors suddenly focusing on the United States that made government officialsrealisethat the effects
of gold finds in Australia could in fact promote the economy rather thandestabiliseit. This was a notion that turned out
to be exceptionally true as the discovery of payable gold by prospector Edward Hargreaves, came the first gold rush. Further
gold rushes followed and over the next decade the population more than doubled reaching well over 1 million.
(Wikipedia, 2013)
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