This commemorative issue celebrates the 100 anniversary of the introduction of Commonwealth silver coins in Australia. The history of Commonwealth silver coins in Australian coinage were started in 1901 when, under the new Constitution, control of Australia’s currency was vested in the Commonwealth. Subsequently, the Coinage Act of 1909 saw the replacement of British gold, silver and bronze coins with the Commonwealth’s own coinage, beginning with the 1910-dated Australian florin, shilling, sixpence and threepence depicting King Edward VII. However, British coins continued in use until 1910, when Australian silver coins were introduced. Australian pennies and half-pennies were introduced into circulation the following year.
First Australia Commonwealth Silver Coinage:
Australia 1 shilling.
Reeded Edward VII
obverse: EDWARDVS VII D:G: BRITT. OMN: REX F: D: IND: IMP:
Design by: George William de Saulles
Reverse: 1908 coat of arms of Australia (with ADVANCE AUSTRALIA on ribbon)
Design by: W.H.J. Blakemore
The coin’s coloured reverse portrays King Edward VII and a collection of Australia’s florin, shilling, sixpence and threepence coins issued in 1910. Incorporating The Perth Mint’s ‘P’ mint mark, the design is encircled by the inscription CENTENARY OF AUSTRALIAN COMMONWEALTH SILVER COINAGE 1910 - 2010. This coin issued as legal tender under the Australian Currency Act 1965, the coin depicts the Ian Rank-Broadley effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and the 2010 year-date on the obverse.
Technical Specifications:
Silver Content (Troy oz) 1
Monetary Denomination (AUD) 1
Fineness (% purity) 99.9
Minimum Gross Weight (g) 31.135
Maximum Diameter (mm) 40.60
Maximum Thickness (mm) 4.00
Designer Darryl Bellotti
This coin is available online and no more than 7,500 of these magnificent sets will be released by The Perth Mint. Accompanied by a numbered Certificate of Authenticity, each coin is housed in a presentation case and blue box shipper depicting a coloured image of King Edward VII and Australia’s first silver coins. This commemorative issue is struck from 1oz of 99.9% pure silver in proof quality.
Source: Perth Mint, Wikipedia
