The Royal Australian Mint has once again captured the imagination of numismatists and poetry enthusiasts alike with the release of a new series of 50 cent coins. But these are not your everyday coins; they are a golden tribute to one of Australia’s most cherished poets, Dorothea Mackellar, whose verse has been etched into the nation’s consciousness.
In a departure from the standard silver, these limited-edition coins are struck in a lustrous gold hue, bringing a touch of opulence to the world of Australian currency. The series comprises three coins, each one a numismatic masterpiece that celebrates Mackellar’s evocative poetry, including her iconic work My Country.
The first coin in the series draws inspiration from Dawn, capturing the serene beauty of the road to Gunnedah. It features a design that artfully depicts the first light of sunrise as it illuminates the Australian landscape, with trees, mountains, and a delicate spider web all shimmering under the dawn sky.
The second coin pays homage to My Country, perhaps Mackellar’s most famous poem. It showcases the stark contrasts of the Australian terrain, from the ‘sunburnt country’ to the ‘land of sweeping plains’, reminding us of the rugged beauty that defines the continent.
The final coin, inspired by The Colours of Light, is adorned with the image of a majestic peacock surrounded by radiant flora, capturing the vibrant and diverse palette of the Australian environment.
These coins are not just currency; they are a celebration of Australian heritage and artistry. Jennifer Sullivan, the Mint’s executive manager of sales, marketing, and innovation, expressed that Mackellar’s words continue to resonate across generations. ‘Her words evoke the essence of this land, its vastness, resilience, and natural beauty,’ she said. ‘Through this coin series, we hope to celebrate her enduring influence and provide collectors with a meaningful connection to her legacy.’
With a limited mintage of 20,000 for each design, these 50c coins are expected to be a hot commodity among collectors. However, Doug McRostie, co-founder of Coinxchange, suggests that demand may not be as high as anticipated, which could be advantageous for those eager to add these treasures to their personal collections. The Mint’s decision to sell up to 10 coins per transaction and to offer them through their e-shop rather than a ballot hints at a more accessible release.
Priced at $20 each, the coins are said to be ‘worth what they are sold for’, according to McRostie. This presents an opportunity for collectors to own a piece of numismatic and poetic history without breaking the bank.
The Royal Australian Mint has a history of commemorating Australia’s literary greats with special gold 50 cent pieces. In 2020, for instance, they released a series celebrating Banjo Paterson’s poetry, including Waltzing Matilda and The Man From Snowy River.
For those looking to acquire these golden gems, the coins are officially launching at the Dorothea Mackellar Centre in Gunnedah. They are available for purchase directly from the Royal Australian Mint, either individually for $20 each or as a boxed set for $50. Collectors can place their orders through the Mint Contact Centre, the Mint Shop in Canberra, the Mint’s online shop, or through participating authorised distributors.
As the Royal Australian Mint continues to honour Australia’s literary heritage through numismatics, this latest release offers collectors and poetry enthusiasts alike a unique piece of history. With their intricate designs and tribute to Dorothea Mackellar’s timeless words, these coins are more than just currency—they reflect the beauty and essence of Australia itself.
What are your thoughts on this special release? Do you think commemorative coins like these add value to Australia’s cultural legacy? Share your insights in the comments below!
Also read: Could a rare coin be sitting in your wallet? It’s worth up to 100 times more!
The bird depicted on the ‘Colours of Light’ 50c coin is not a peacock – which were introduced to Australia in the 1880s – it is a Lyrebird.
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