Collectors in search of the rare and unusual need look no further than this superb collector set which pays homage to the designs proposed by Andor Mészáros (1900 – 1972) for Australia’s new low denomination decimal coins in 1966. Responding to the official call for 20c, 10c, 5c, 2c and 1c reverse suggestions, the prolific Melbourne-based sculptor and medallist produced five wonderful images for consideration. Seasoned collectors will recognise the artistry on the 20c and 2c coins, which appeared on Australia’s memorable, but unofficial, 1967 ‘Goose’ dollar. Together with the rarely seen 10c, 5c and 1c reverses, they created a wonderful family of thematically-linked designs which unquestionably deserve to be remembered for their contribution to Australia’s rich numismatic heritage.
Proof Quality 99.9% Pure Silver
Each release is struck from 99.9% pure silver in proof quality.
Australian Fauna and Flora Designs
Working with plasters supplied by the Mészáros family, The Perth Mint has accurately reproduced all five reverse images featuring Australian wildlife and flora:
20c - the design represents the grace and majesty of an Australian black swan in flight.
10c - the design denotes the strong facial character of a kookaburra, Australia’s best-loved bush-bird, with a snake caught in its beak.
5c - design portrays the amphibious deftness of a platypus in its search for prey – in this case, a yabbie.
2c - the design depicts fresh clusters of wattle, always a popular contender for Australia’s national floral emblem, but not officially elevated to that position until 1988 - 22 years after the Mészáros design.
1c - design captures the magnificence of the waratah, a spectacular native flower chosen as the floral emblem of New South Wales in 1962.
Australian Legal Tender
The obverse of each coin, which is issued as legal tender under the Australian Currency Act 1965, bears the Ian Rank-Broadley effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and the 2009 issue date.
Extremely Limited Mintage
The Perth Mint will release no more than 7,500 of these beautiful 1966 Australian Decimal Pattern Sets.
Handsome Presentation Packaging
Each set is housed in a handsome timber presentation case.
Numbered Certificate of Authenticity
A numbered Certificate of Authenticity accompanies each set. Including informative text and images, the Certificate reveals more about the artist whose wish to see his work portrayed on coins issued as legal tender of Australia has finally come true.
Technical Specifications
|
20c |
10c |
5c |
2c |
1c |
| Silver Content (Troy oz) |
0.4456 |
0.2273 |
0.1202 |
0.2099 |
0.1102 |
| Monetary Denomination (AUD) |
20c |
10c |
5c |
2c |
1c |
| Fineness (% purity) |
99.9 |
99.9 |
99.9 |
99.9 |
99.9 |
| Minimum Gross Weight (g) |
12.86 |
6.07 |
2.74 |
5.53 |
2.43 |
| Maximum Diameter (mm) |
28.60 |
23.60 |
19.60 |
21.60 |
17.60 |
| Maximum Thickness (mm) |
3.00 |
3.00 |
3.00 |
3.00 |
3.00 |