2016 Fine Silver Proof Year Set - 50th Anniversary of Decimal Currency
Description
2016 Fine Silver Proof Year Set - 50th Anniversary of Decimal Currency
In 2016, the Royal Australian Mint celebrates 50 years of decimal currency. On this golden anniversary it is only fitting that this set also includes the round 50c piece as well as the 1c and 2c pieces, making it the perfect collectible or gift.
HISTORY AND SIGNIFICANCE
On 14 February 1966, the changeover to decimal currency transformed the nation, as Australia joined a worldwide currency trend. The uniquely Australian images of the decimal coins are still cherished on their 50th anniversary.
The coins’ images of Australian wildlife were designed by Stuart Devlin. Despite many changes in minting technology and social trends, these have been enduring and iconic symbols of Australian culture. They were joined in 1984 by Devlin’s design of five kangaroos for the one dollar coin, and in 1988 by Horst Hahne’s image of an Aboriginal elder for the two dollar coin. Three of the coins featured in the set, the round 50c, 1c and 2c, no longer circulate.
Over the last half-century, the Mint has also celebrated the significance of coins with many commemorative and collectible products. The pinnacle of these are proof coins, which are intricately designed, struck and inspected in precious metals to create splendid pieces for discerning collectors.
FEATURES AND DESIGN
• Set includes the round 50c piece as well as the 1c and 2c pieces
• Finished to the Royal Australian Mint’s proof standard
• Issued in beautiful redesigned presentation cases
• Low mintage of 1966 with numbered Certificate of Authenticity
• Each coins’ obverse features Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II effigy sculpted by Ian Rank-Broadley