2020 50c CuNi Uncirculated coin - The Afghan Cameleers - Pioneers of Inland Transport

The Afghan cameleers who travelled to Australia from 1859 made a significant contribution to the exploration of Australia’s inland, and to the development of Australia as a multicultural nation. To commemorate their work, the Royal Australian Mint has released a special 50 cent uncirculated coin.

In 1859, the Victorian Expedition Committee commissioned the import of 24 camels and three cameleers from India, to join the pioneering expedition of Burke and Wills. This was the start of a significant contribution made to Australia’s inland development by many cameleers who came to Australia from India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Turkey and elsewhere. Camels were very well suited to transport and exploration in Australia’s inland, being the optimal species to manage difficult terrain and survive scarce water supplies, rather than horses or bullocks. The Muslim cameleers provided a crucial support system to outback families, and at one time in the 19th century, half of Australia’s population relied on the cameleers and their charges for survival.

The Royal Australian Mint has produced this collectible coin to recognise the contributions of the cameleers. Serious coin collectors and Australian history enthusiasts will value this commemorative coin.

Coin’s reverse honours the contribution of Afghan cameleers to Australian history

Coin’s obverse features the effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II designed by Jody Clark

Australian legal tender

Presented on a display card

2020 50c Silver Proof Coin - The Afghan Cameleers - Pioneers of Inland Transport

In recognition of the significant contribution made by Afghan cameleers to Australia’s history in the 19th century, the Royal Australian Mint has produced a silver proof collectible 50 cent coin. The coin honours the cameleers and their vital role in Australia’s inland development.

During the 19th century, camels and their handlers came to Australia from Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, Turkey and beyond, to work in Australia’s challenging inland environments. Camels were more suitable for transport and exploration in the desert than horses or bullocks, and their handlers had the experience and knowledge needed to make the most of the opportunities the camels offered.

Although the Muslim cameleers usually kept to themselves, creating ‘Ghan Towns’ including corrugated iron mosques in the desert, there were occasional intermarriages. Many of the cameleers returned home but some remained in Australia to build their homes here. The cameleers occasionally suffered from racial violence in Australia, yet their peaceful and moderate ways were also welcomed in many places.

The contribution made by the cameleers was significant, with at one stage half of Australia’s population relying on them for survival. The Afghan cameleers are celebrated in this silver proof coin, intended for both serious collectors and Australian history enthusiasts.

Coin’s reverse honours the contribution of Afghan cameleers to Australian history

Coin’s obverse features the effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II designed by Jody Clark

Certificate of Authority

Maximum mintage 2500

Australian legal tender

Presented in a display case

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