September 2009 Number 81 February 2006 Number 65 Number 2006 February Dear Collector Welcome to the September Mint Issue! vault and transfer some of the Mint’s most Since last writing to you the Mint treasured coins to their new permanent has opened the second stage of its display in the public gallery. The winner Bruce Mansfield. refurbishment - the First Floor Gallery. of the second prize, Jenny Tyrell (picture This area includes a new theatrette, where shown), was given a behind the scenes tour you can watch a presentation showing of the Mint. exclusive behind the scenes footage of Continuing with our ‘moon’ themed month, the coin production process, a number of the Mint officially launched the 2009 50c new gallery exhibits which display early, Uncirculated Coin – 40th Anniversary of rare and historically significant coins from the Moon Landing. The event, which was the National Coin Collection and new hosted by ex Honeysuckle Creek staff and observation windows, which give visitors a Apollo 11 enthusiasts, saw over 300 guests unique view of the Mint’s manufacturing in attendance and the new coin design was and coining process. Visitors to the Mint positively received. In 2009, the Mint also can see one of the world’s strongest robots, celebrates the 40 year anniversary of the DespinaTramoundanis. the Titan, doing some heavy lifting in the dodecagonal 50c coin. Circulating Coin hall, along with our new Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs’), which In closing, I would like to draw your are also lending a hand. Along with other attention to the new Polar Series Montage, new interactive activities in the Gallery, which is featured in this edition. Some of visitors also have the opportunity to take a you may remember that on January 17 photo at the “old factory” exhibit. 2009 the Royal Society of Victoria hosted a flyover of the South Magnetic Pole to In early July, the Mint shop hosted a mark its discovery in 1909. Five hundred four day event at which collectors could July Coin Shop Event of the Mint’s 2009 $5 Silver Proof Antarctic purchase their 2009 $1 Master Mintmark Explorers coins were on this flight and now coin and have it counterstamped. Bruce these coins feature as the centrepiece of Mansfield lined up early on day one and the Polar Series Montage. As only a small was the lucky first visitor to have his coin amount of these montages are available, counterstamped (picture shown). make sure you purchase one quickly to In an exciting finish to the busy four days avoid disappointment. of counterstamping, the Mint Shop held a ‘Once in a Blue Moon’ event, on the evening of July 6. The event was well attended and two fantastic opportunities Happy collecting were offered as lucky door prizes. The JennyTyrell. winner of the first lucky door prize, Despina Tramoundanis (picture shown), had the rare opportunity to enter the Museum Graham Smith Front Cover image courtesy of Wolf Creek Acting CEO Royal Australian Mint 2 February 2006 Number 65 Number 2006 February 2009 MASTER MINTMARK 2009 Master Mintmark $1 Al/Bronze Uncirculated Coin In 2009 the Royal Australian Mint completes one of the most substantial upgrades to its facilities since the original construction in 1965. To mark this occasion, the Mint has released a Master Mintmark on a standard uncirculated $1 coin. The mark featuring the letter ‘C’ with Kangaroo passing through it was chosen by the Mint’s CEO Janine Murphy from a selection of motifs produced by Mint design staff. The Master Mintmark logo has been registered with IP Australia and will appear on a variety of Mint numismatic products in the future. This coin will intrige the young collector and those wanting an important keepsake from the Royal Australian Mint's ongoing numismatic history. Price (inc GST): $9.95 802319 Nominal Specifications: $1, Al/Bronze, 9.00 g, 25.00 mm, Uncirculated, Unlimited The blister-packed coin is presented in die-cut packaging that folds into a miniature Royal Australian Mint building, 3 February 2006 Number 65 Number 2006 February The Flight into Australian Antarctic history On 17 January 2009, the Royal Society of Victoria undertook a historic flight over Antarctica to commemorate the centenary of the South Magnetic Pole discovery in 1909. His Royal Highness Duke of Gloucester KG, GCVO, accompanied the Governor of Victoria, Professor David de Krester AC (the Society’s patron), on the commemorative flight. Other special guests included Mr Graham Smith (acting CEO of the Royal Australian Mint), Hon. Alex Chernov AO (Chancellor of the University of Melbourne) and fifty-two Young Science Ambassadors representing secondary colleges from Australia, Canada, Finland, New Zealand and United Kingdom. Coin included in Montage 4 February 2006 Number 65 Number 2006 February Polar Series Montage A very special cargo was also on board this commemorative flight – five hundred 2009 $5 Silver Proof Antarctic Explorers coins along with Australia Post’s special AAT South Magnetic Pole First Day Cover. We have combined both these products with a reproduction of the original Mawson flag, spectacular views of the Antarctic and a 570mm Certificate of Authenticity from the Royal Society of Victoria all beautifully presented in a high quality Montage. This is a very limited opportunity to own a significant piece of Australian Antarctic memorabilia and with stocks selling fast we encourage you to place your order today. 753mm ONLY 500 MONTAGES AVAILABLE! Price (inc GST): $1,500.00 805035 *FREE POSTAGE & HANDLING Coin Nominal Specifications: $5, Ag 99.9%, 1&1/7 troy oz, 38.74 mm, Proof, 12 500 (coins), W. Pietranik This product is now available to order by mail or by calling the call centre - 1300 652 020 *Free postage & handling is only available within Australia. This product is delivered by couriers; please ensure to add your street address to the order form, no P.O boxes. 5 February 2006 Number 65 Number 2006 February 2009 CHRISTMAS MEDALLION - THE NATIVITY The 2009 Christmas medallion completes the five year series. Designer Peter Soobik perfectly captures the original spirit of Christmas with his interpretation of the Nativity scene. The large 40 mm diameter allows this beautifully crafted 24 carat gold plated medallion to include elements from the four previously released designs from the Trees of Memories series. The infant baby Jesus, Mary, Joseph, the three kings, the angel Gabriel, the star of Bethlehem and a host of admirers are incorporated onto the 2009 design. This series has remained popular with those wanting to give a personal gift at Christmas; to newborns as a permanent reminder of their first Christmas, to those of whom like their decorations to have more charm and reverence and of course for the Christmas story that unfolds through each individual design. Included is a unique gift card that not only displays the coin but can be personalised and then sent to loved ones anywhere. Price (inc GST): $35.00 802273 2007 & 2008 Christmas Medallions still available, but hurry stocks are limited! 6 February 2006 Number 65 Number 2006 February 2009 CHRISTMAS MEDALLION - THE NATIVITY 2009 $5 Silver Proof – Aurora Australis Brilliant colours and images emerge as you tilt and inspect this beautiful coin. Look closely and you will see the location details of several key scientific base camps, the Antarctic Skua in flight and the first Australians to reach the South Magnetic Pole from the Ernest Shackleton expedition. As with those earlier releases we have again included intricate laser frosting revealing concentric patterns on the land mass map. Another feature of this coin is the official International Polar Year logo included on the obverse coin design. This logo was established by the International Council for Science and the World Meteorological Organisation, highlighting the roles polar exploration and scientific research play in extending our understanding of the polar influence on planet Earth. Price (inc GST): $95.00 802180 Nominal Specifications: $5, Ag 99.9%, 1 & 1/7 troy oz, 38.74 mm, 12 500, W. Pietranik 7 February 2006 Number 65 Number 2006 February 2009 Six Coin Proof Set This set includes an especially themed $1 coin, featuring the design of the iconic Parkes Telescope. Made famous for the major part it played in receiving and relaying images of $1 included the first moon landing in 1969. in 2009 Six Coin Proof Set Price (inc GST): $115.00 803300 LIMITED STOCKS AVAILABLE 2009 Six Coin Uncirculated Set This set includes a themed 20c coin, featuring the design of three stargazers enjoying the experience of sky-observing. Whether standing, sitting, using basic equipment or just your eyes, everyone can enjoy a personal sense of the wonder of our universe. $1 included in Price (inc GST): $30.00 802370 2009 Two Coin Uncirculated Set 2009 Two Coin Proof Set Featuring the especially themed 20c coin and the ‘Five Kangaroos’ $1 coin, both in a stunning proof finish. Price (inc GST): $45.00 803370 20c included 2009 Two Coin Uncirculated Set in 2009 Two An affordable way of owning the uncirculated International Year of Astronomy themed Coin Proof Set $1 coin and a current 2009 20c design. Price (inc GST): $15.00 802880 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 20c included *International Year of Astronomy themed coins designed by C. Goodall. in 2009 Six Coin Uncirculated Set 8 February 2006 Number 65 Number 2006 February 2009 $5 Fine Silver Proof Meteorite Coin A coin that is flawless in every feature. The obverse shows the planetary path within our solar system as it circles the sun, look closely to see our tiny moon alongside Planet Earth.