The Perth Mint :: 200th Anniversary of the Rum Rebellion 1oz Holey Dollar and Dump Set

Exactly 20 years after the First Fleet dropped anchor in Sydney Cove on 26 January 1788, Australia experienced its first, and only, military insurrection – the Rum Rebellion. The revolt was perpetrated against William Bligh, fourth Governor of NSW and former Captain of HMS Bounty. The perpetrators were the influential officers of the NSW Corps – also known as the ‘Rum’ Corps because of their control of the colony’s ‘rum’ trade. Under instruction to limit their power, Bligh introduced reforms that threatened the officers’ activities and prestige. He clashed, too, with leading Sydney businessman John Macarthur, a former Corps officer, on a several issues. Following Macarthur’s arrest, the Corps marched on Government House, reputedly dragging the “tyrant” Bligh ignominiously from beneath a bed before confining him to house-arrest.

Proof Quality 99.9% Pure Silver

This commemorative Holey Dollar and Dump Set, which marks the 200^th anniversary of the Rum Rebellion, is struck by The Perth Mint from 1oz of 99.9% pure silver in proof quality.

Australian Legal Tender

The set is issued as legal tender under the Australian Currency Act 1965.

Historic 'Cartoon' Reverse

The rectangular Dump portrays an historic coloured cartoon of the Rum Rebellion, reproduced with permission from the Mitchell Library. It depicts a rebel’s eye view of Bligh’s arrest, portraying the Governor as a coward hiding in terror beneath a bed – undoubtedly a piece of contemporary political propaganda designed to legitimise the rebels’ action. The missing top right-hand corner of the original has been artistically interpreted by The Perth Mint.

The Dump is surrounded by a Holey Dollar featuring the inscription RUM REBELLION and the year-date 1808, as well as The Perth Mint’s ‘P’ mintmark.

Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II Obverses

The obverses of the Holey Dollar and Dump portray the Ian Rank-Broadley effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

Unique Combined Denomination

The obverse of the Holey Dollar includes the monetary denomination of $1. The obverse of the Dump includes the monetary denomination of 20c.

Extremely Limited Mintage

The Perth Mint will release no more than 3,000 of these commemorative Holey Dollar and Dump Sets.

Presentation Packaging

Each set is housed is a brown presentation case and illustrated box-shipper, accompanied by a numbered Certificate of Authenticity.