The Perth Mint has created an Australian $1 coin for exclusive inclusion in Australia Post’s Stamp and Coin Cover marking the 150th anniversary of Burke and Wills’ intrepid expedition, which left Melbourne for the Gulf of Carpentaria in August 1860. The first European settlers to cross the Australian continent from south to north, the heroes’ remarkable accomplishment turned to tragedy, however, when they perished on the return leg.
Uncirculated Aluminium Bronze
The $1 coin is struck from aluminium bronze in uncirculated quality.
Historical Reverse Design
The coin’s reverse portrays Burke and Wills as they are represented in Charles Summers’ sculpture on the corner of Melbourne’s Swanston and Collins Streets. The inscription BURKE & WILLS appears in the design with The Perth Mint’s ‘P’ mintmark.
Australian Legal Tender
Issued as legal tender under the Australian Currency Act 1965, the $1 coin depicts the Ian Rank-Bradley effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and the 2010 year-date on the obverse.
Presentation Card and Envelope
The coin is mounted on a card depicting The exploring party coming upon an encampment of natives, an oil painting by Henricus Leonardus van den Houten. The coin and its card holder come in a superb Australia Post envelope portraying part of Samuel Calvert’s engraving entitled Exploration expedition, the start from Royal Park.
Commemorative Stamp and Postmark
The illustrated envelope also features a commemorative 60c stamp showing the two heroes, and a special post mark from Parkville, Vic., dated 3 August 2010.