November 2010 Number 86 February 2006 Number 65 2006 Number February Dear Collector Welcome to the November Mint Issue, This is, without a doubt, one of this country’s traditionally one of our most exciting months oldest and most successful industries and of the year, as we unveil our 2011 Year Sets the coin designs combined with themed and Gift Range. packaging makes for a unique collectible. National Servicemen’s Coin Launch Coin Servicemen’s National Since September the Mint has launched Another outstanding product on offer is several special coins which have resonated the 1966 Decimal Currency Heritage Set. strongly with both established and new This is a limited opportunity to own not collectors. At the coin launch celebrating the only all of the original decimal currency 150 years of the running of the Melbourne coin designs but also miniature replica resin Cup I made mention to the gathered Victoria casts of some of the alternative coin designs Racing Club members, racing community from commissioned artists from the design and invited guests that these coins give all competition of 1963. Australians the opportunity to own their very own piece of Melbourne Cup history. Also featured in the following pages is information about the rest of our 2011 Another memorable coin launch was held year sets and new releases, new Christmas gift at the Australian War Memorial in August ideas and important information regarding where we unveiled a collectible 50c coin the 2011 Kangaroo at Sunset. to commemorate the 60th anniversary of National Service. To add to this May I take this opportunity to thank you all commemoration we were also invited to for the sincere welcome I have received and lay one of the coins beneath the dedication I look forward to your support and patronage plaque for the new memorial which was in 2011. built in recognition of the vital role that these On behalf of the Mint I wish you and your national servicemen played. families a happy and safe Christmas and Melbourne Cup Coin Launch Coin Melbourne Cup As you can probably tell it has certainly been New Year. a whirlwind of activity since my appointment Happy collecting, back in June and I now take great pleasure in showcasing the new coins we have featured in this Mint Issue. The theme for the 2011 two coin year set is Ross MacDiarmid Australian wool – ‘Riding on the sheep’s back’. Chief Executive Officer Royal Australian Mint 2 February 2006 Number 65 2006 Number February 2011 20c Ashes Uncirculated Coin Dating back to 1882, the Ashes, played between England and Australia, is one of international cricket's most celebrated rivalries. The 2010–11 Ashes Series promises to be another exciting contest during the upcoming summer months. With England, the current holders of the Ashes urn, Australian fans will be hoping to see a repeat of the 06/07 season where England lost the Ashes to Australia 5–0. To again commemorate one of the most fiercely contested cricket competitions, the Royal Australian Mint has joined forces with Cricket Australia to produce a 20c coin that is sure to hit collectors for six. No need to be stumped for a gift as this inexpensive coin in card is perfect for collectors and cricketing fans of all ages. Price (inc. GST): $6.95 310013 Nominal specifications: 20c, Cu/Nickel, 11.30 g, 28.52 mm, uncirculated, unlimited, W. Pietranik 3 February 2006 Number 65 2006 Number February riding on the sheep’s back The arrival of the Merino sheep with the First Fleet in 1788 began one of Australia’s most successful industries. By 1870, only 82 years after the arrival of those first Merinos, Australia had become the largest producer and supplier of wool in the world. The humble Merino has also featured on Australian coinage over the years from the one shilling coin of 1937 – 1963, the fifty cent coin in 1991 and gracing the two dollar note from 1966 – 1983. So for our 2011 two coin year sets it is certainly fitting that we pay homage to wool, the foundation of our burgeoning economy which led to the phrase that Australia ‘rode on the sheep’s back! 4 February 2006 Number 65 2006 Number February Wool production in Australia is one of the country’s oldest, most successful industries and these coin designs will resonate strongly with collectors of all genres. Designed by renowned coin design artist Vladimir Gottwald, these striking coins brilliantly capture the importance of wool in Australia’s economic and cultural development. The $1 coin features an Australian shearer hard at work against a textured background representing the fleece. The 20c coin depicts a wagon wheel illustrated with a series of images representing Australia’s rich history of wool production. 2011 Two Coin Proof Set The hand-polished, proof finish of these beautiful coins exemplifies the highest standard of craftsmanship. Themed outer packaging gives the appearance of a wool bale and perfectly captures the theme for 2011. Price (inc.GST): $45.00 210013 Also available in uncirculated finish Price (inc. GST): $15.00 310011 Nominal Specifications Metal Cupro Nickel Al/Bronze Denomination 20c $1 Mass (g) 11.30 9.00 Diameter (mm) 28.52 25.00 REAT GIF G T ID EA! 5 February 2006 Number 65 2006 Number February 2011 SIX COIN YEAR SETS Coin collecting was once known as the 'Hobby of Kings' and history shows that collecting was started by the early Romans right from the time coins were first struck. The noble and elite people of the community had the resources needed to collect the different kinds of coins they wanted. Today everyone can start a coin collection and the Royal Australian Mint’s popular six coin year sets in a proof or uncirculated finish are a great way to get started. For the ‘year set collector’ or the ‘complete collector’ these coin sets offer a unique point of difference to each individual collection. Whether comparing coin grades or ensuring no gaps in your collection there is always something to keep you intrigued. This year’s packaging features a new historical photograph of Mint operators. 2011 Six Coin Proof Set Containing all six Australian 2011 circulating coin designs in a stunning proof finish and housed in a handsome leatherette wallet. Price: (inc. GST): $ 120.00 210006 2011 Six Coin Uncirculated Set This classic set features the 2011 5c, 10c, 20c, 50c, $1 and $2 Australian coin designs finished to an uncirculated standard. Price (inc. GST): $ 30.00 310006 Nominal Specifications Metal Cupro Nickel Al/Bronze Denomination 5c 10c 20c 50c $1 $2 Mass (g) 2.83 5.65 11.30 15.55 9.00 6.60 Diameter (mm) 19.41 23.60 28.52 31.51 25.00 20.50 REAT GIF G T ID EA! 6 February 2006 Number 65 2006 Number February 2011 SIX COIN YEAR SETS 1966 Decimal Currency Heritage Set Many Australians have coins in their pocket, but few give a thought to how the designs of our unique currency came to be. After the Australian Government announced in 1963 that it would introduce a decimal currency system, six artists were commissioned to produce coins for the new 1c, 2c, 5c, 10c, and 20c coins. Initial sketches were submitted by the artists and those that were approved by the Advisory Panel were made into plaster sculptures known as ‘plasters’. Many of the entries followed themes of native Australian flora and fauna. But it was Stuart Devlin’s now familiar designs that were chosen to grace the reverse side of the new decimal coins. The Royal Australian Mint would like to offer an incredible opportunity to own what will become a focal talking point in any collection, home or clubhouse décor. The 1966 Decimal Currency Heritage set not only contains the original 1c ,2c, 5c, 10c, 20c and 50c coin designs in a stunning proof finish but are accompanied by replica ‘resins’ of some alternative designs by recommissioned artists in 1963. Be ready, a mintage of only 400 of such a unique collectible will mean a quick sell-out*. Price: (inc. GST): $695.00 803488 *Not available to order until 22 November 2010, with a December shipment. Nominal Specifications Nominal Specifications Metal Cupro Nickel Al/Bronze Metal Cupro Nickel 80% Silver Al/Bronze Denomination 5c 10c 20c 50c $1 $2 Denomination 1c 2c 5c 10c 20c 50c $1 $2 Mass (g) 2.83 5.65 11.30 15.55 9.00 6.60 Mass (g) 2.60 5.20 2.83 5.65 11.30 13.28 9.00 6.60 Diameter (mm) 19.41 23.60 28.52 31.51 25.00 20.50 Diameter (mm) 17.63 21.59 19.41 23.60 28.52 31.51 25.00 20.50 REAT GIF G T ID EA! 7 February 2006 Number 65 2006 Number February In many cultures around the world, including Celtic, Hindu and Egyptian weddings the hands of a bride and groom are tied together to demonstrate the couple's commitment to each other and their new bond as a married couple (giving us the popular phrase "tying the knot"). The Australian Wedding Coin Collection would be a welcome gift in any new couples ‘wishing well’ when you are wanting to give something more personal than cash, as is the trend with modern weddings of today. The low mintages since the inception of this product (historically under 5 000), has created a perennial favourite amongst collectors seeking an exclusive opportunity of owning a proof year set with individually encapsulated coins. Which also provides greater flexibility to the denomination collector.