Proof Quality 99.9% Pure Silver
Each coin in this superb set is struck from 1oz of 99.9% pure silver in proof
quality.
Coloured Reverse Designs
The coloured reverse on each coin symbolises one of the world’s great river
journeys. Including the inscription GREAT RIVER JOURNEYS, the design also includes The
Perth Mint’s ‘P’ mintmark.
The Rhine
A vital commercial and cultural line of communication since Roman times, the Rhine
rises in the European Alps, flowing 820 miles on its way to the North Sea. Defining
regional and international borders, it is a well-known feature of Switzerland, France,
Germany and the Netherlands. At its most picturesque, the beautiful Upper Middle Rhine
Valley is a romantic gorge where vineyards cloak steep-sided hills. Featuring strongly in
history and legend, the stretch is also famous for its numerous castles. As well as a
cruiser, the coin’s obverse portrays a scenic view of the Rhine near Bacharach, Germany,
where Burg Stahleck, originally dating from the 12th century, commands
outstanding views of the river.
The Volga
Europe’s longest river is often referred to as ‘Mother Volga’, such is its importance
to the people of Russia. Rising in the Valdai Hills northwest of Moscow, its flows
majestically through the western part of Russia before discharging into the Caspian Sea
more than 2,000 miles away. Many of Russia’s most historic cities and picturesque towns
lie within close proximity of the Volga, including the 11th century town of
Yaroslavl. Among its remarkable buildings is the Tolga Monastery, originally constructed
on a site of religious significance more than 700 years ago. As well as a river cruiser,
the coin’s reverse depicts the distinctive roofline of the famous monastery in
colour.
The Yangtze
The Yangtze is the longest river in Asia and third longest in the world. Known as
Chang Jiang (long river), it rises on the Plateau of Tibet in Qinghai Province from where
it sweeps almost 4,000 miles eastwards towards Shanghai and the East China Sea. Much of
the river’s course runs through spectacular natural scenery, none more impressive than the
Three Gorges region. At its heart lies Wu Gorge, a serene and secluded waterway towered
over by the 12 Peaks of Wushan, described in legend as the spirits of 12 fairies. The
coin’s reverse depicts a bamboo sailing raft amid a coloured image of the famous Gorge,
where rising mists and cloud add to its ethereal beauty.
The Mississippi
Rising in Lake Itasca, Minnesota, the ‘Mighty Mississippi’ flows south across the
United States for more than 2,300 miles until discharging through a vast river delta into
the Gulf of Mexico. Meaning ‘big river’ in the language of the Algonquin Indians, the
Mississippi is ingrained in America’s national conscience through literature and song such
as Huckleberry Finn and Ol' Man River. One of the busiest commercial
waterways in the world, the Mississippi is invariably associated with paddle-wheel
steamboats, which revolutionised 19th century river commerce and remain familiar
sights. As well as a steamboat, the coin’s reverse depicts a coloured scene featuring the
Greater New Orleans Bridge.
The Nile
More than 4,000 miles in length, the Nile is the longest river in the world. Rising
in Burundi south of the equator, it flows through north-eastern Africa towards the
Mediterranean Sea. The lower Nile snakes across the deserts of Egypt, where its fertile
valley gave rise to one of the most extraordinary civilisations in history. Ancient
Egyptians thrived on the river’s annual inundation, which enabled them to turn the
floodplain into an oasis of agriculture. The coin’s reverse depicts a colossus of the
powerful Egyptian pharaoh Ramesses II, located in the historic riverside Temple of Luxor.
Two feluccas, traditional sailing boats, and a coloured representation of the river bank
also appear in the design.
Legal Tender of Tuvalu
Issued as legal tender under the authority of the Government of Tuvalu, each coin
bears the Raphael Maklouf effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and the 2010 year-date
on its obverse.
Extremely Limited Mintage
No more than 1,500 of these coin sets will be released.
Presentation Packaging
Accompanied by a numbered Certificate of Authenticity, the five-coin set is housed in
a black presentation case with illustrated shipper.
Rivers have played an important role in human history since the
dawn of civilisation. Contributing to economic, cultural, political and religious life,
great rivers are celebrated in art, song and literature as iconic symbols of countries and
continents. A voyage of discovery down a famous river, passing remarkable architecture or
spectacular scenery, can be a fascinating and exhilarating experience. Drawing on these
ideas for inspiration, The Perth Mint has created this coloured coin set celebrating five of
the greatest river journeys the world has to offer: the Rhine, Volga, Yangtze, Mississippi,
and Nile.