The pre-eminent symbol of the power and authority of Australia’s Commonwealth Government, the first official Australian Coat of Arms was granted by King Edward VII in 1908. The second Coat of Arms was granted four years later by his successor, King George V in 1912.
Proof Quality 99.9% Pure Silver
This 45mm commemorative coin, which depicts both the original and the current Australian Commonwealth Coat of Arms, is struck from 1oz of 99.9% pure silver in proof quality.
Australian Legal Tender
The coin is issued as legal tender under the Australian Currency Act 1965.
Coloured Reverse Design
The coin’s reverse depicts the 1908 Commonwealth Coat of Arms in colour:
The design comprises a white and blue shield displaying six small escutcheons and a cross of St. George featuring five six-pointed white stars. Above the shield, which is supported by the kangaroo and emu standing on a grassy mound, is the crest containing the seven-pointed gold star of Federation on a wreath of white and blue. Six of the Star’s points represent the Australian States, with the seventh representing the Commonwealth Territories. The motto ‘Advance Australia’ is inscribed at the base of the shield.
The year-date 1908 and the inscription AUSTRALIAN COMMONWEALTH COAT OF ARMS also appear on the coin’s reverse.
Coloured Obverse Design
The 1912 Commonwealth Coat of Arms is depicted in colour on the coin’s obverse:
The design incorporates a shield containing the Badges of the six Australian States - New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, South Australia, Western Australia and Tasmania. The border of the shield symbolises Federation, which occurred in 1901. The crest, featuring a wreath of gold and blue and a seven-pointed Star, appears above the shield, which is supported by the kangaroo and emu. As is customary, it is portrayed on a background of golden wattle, Australia’s national floral emblem, and a scroll containing the word ‘Australia’.
The coin’s obverse also includes Ian Rank-Broadley’s effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, the 2008 year-date and The Perth Mint’s ‘P’ mintmark.
Limited Mintage
The Perth Mint will release no more than 7,500 of these silver proof coins.
Presentation Packaging
Accompanied by a numbered Certificate of Authenticity, each coin is housed in a red-coloured presentation case and illustrated box shipper.