2012 $1 and 20c Two Coin Proof Set Australian Wheat Fields of Gold

2012 $1 and 20c Two Coin Proof Set – Australian Wheat – Fields of Gold

Continuing on from the recognition we gave Australian wool last year, it is fitting that this year we now turn our attention to another of our major primary industries that helped build our great nation - Australian wheat. This humble grain is an important part of life in Australia, both economically and culturally, with strong links to our nation's heritage, the spirit of Australian folklore and of course Australia's pre-decimal numismatic history.

Wheat was brought to Australia with the First Fleet and despite very poor beginnings; Australian wheat is now recognised throughout the world for its consistently high quality. It is likely that as the world's population grows, there will be an increased demand for food in the future and Australian wheat will have an important role in helping to feed the world.

The cultivation and harvest of wheat are central to the design of the one dollar and twenty cent coins that appear in these sets. Fields of golden wheat can be found across the breadth of Australia. Since the early days of settlement these crops have played an important role, from the self sufficiency of a young nation to an industry that contributes billions of dollars to our national economy today. In 2012 these coins reflect the outstanding contribution that wheat has made and will continue to make to Australia's agricultural and economic development.