A couple of weeks ago I posted about the beautiful Sydney Summer Olympic coins I found in one of Canberra, Australia’s coin shops. The coins were two of a sixteen coin set, and the coin shop had ONE OF EACH coin in the set. So, a few days after my first visit I headed back to shop some more! 😬
This coin was my next purchase!
This stunning coin was created from .999 pure silver and has a proof like finish. Minted in Canberra as a part of a 16 coin set, the coin was originally available as part of the set or could be purchased individually with a numbered COA (certificate of authenticity). It is one Troy oz with a face value of $5 AUD.
In the center of this coin is an image of the Australian continent. The swirling pattern within the country’s border is reminiscent of native Australian aboriginal art. The two human figures and footprints represent the country’s indigenous and non-indigenous peoples living together in harmony. This is symbolic of Australia’s concerted effort at Reconciliation.
Reconciliation is about strengthening relationships between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and non-indigenous peoples, for the benefit of all Australians. source
Bordering the coin’s reverse are a series of sailing ships. These represent the arrival of the First Fleet and subsequent European settlers to Australia. Anchoring the border is a colorized Sydney 2000 Summer Olympic logo.
The coins in this series were released two at a time between 1997 and 2000. The collection at large includes coins that represent both Australia’s rich environmental diversity and the cultural history of the nation. The series was produced in a collaboration between the Perth and Royal Australian mints.