The Royal Australian Mint has adopted the United Nations’ International Year of Planet Earth (IYPE) as the theme for its 2008 Proof Coin Set.

The aim of the 2008 International Year of Planet Earth is to demonstrate ways in which Earth sciences can help future generations meet the challenges involved in ensuring a safer and more prosperous world. The Year Set design was developed in partnership with Geoscience Australia, the peak body for IYPE activities in Australia.

The Proof Set contains a special commemorative $1 accompanied by standard $2, 50c, 20c, 10c and 5c pieces. The $1 reverse represents the impact of climate change with an intricate design symbolising the evolving landscape, the effects of human activity, and sediment layers hiding precious ground-water below.

Each coin is struck in superb proof quality.

The Ian Rank-Broadley effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II appears on the obverse of each Australian legal tender coin.

The 2008 Proof Year Set is housed in an IYPE-themed wallet-style presentation pack and a brightly illustrated shipper.