1966 Australian Decimal Pattern Set
1966 Australian Decimal Pattern Set - click on image to enlarge
General Coin Information
Forty three years ago the government of Australia asked artists for designs for their new low denomination decimal coins, and Andor Mészáros submitted five designs. Unfortunately, his designs were not chosen, but they made a durable enough impression that the Perth Mint has released the 1966 Australian Decimal Pattern Set in silver proof to honor the collection.
Collectors may recognize two of the designs as they were used on the unofficial 1967 'goose' dollar. This coin was minted in gold and silver, and are still highly sought after on the market.
When the mint first considered releasing this collection they contacted the Mészáros family who were excited at the prospect. Andor passed away in 1972 but his son provided the mint with the original plaster sculptures his father had created.
The set contains all five of the low denominational decimal designs; 20c-Australian black swan, 10c-kookaburra with a snake in it's beak, 5c-platypus searching for a yabbie, 2c-clusters of wattle, 1c-waratah. They are considered legal tender, and accordingly have an image of Queen Elizabeth on the obverse.
A presentation case holds the collection which ships with a numbered Certificate of Authenticity. A maximum mintage of 7,500 units will be created.
If available, this coin set may be purchased online from the following Perth Mint page:
1966 Australian Decimal Pattern Set
Obverse Design
Ian Rank-Broadley effigy of Queen Elizabeth II is shown on the reverse of each coin in the set. Also included are the inscriptions "Elizabeth II", "Australia" and "2009.
Reverse Design
The reverse of these coins features Mészáros' depictions of native Australian wildlife and flora. The reverse also shows the denomination of each coin. 20c-Australian black swan, 10c-kookaburra with a snake in it's beak, 5c-platypus searching for a yabbie, 2c-clusters of wattle, 1c-waratah.
Australian Decimal Pattern Silver Coin Set Specifications
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Mint: Perth Mint of Australia |
Perth Silver Coin Auctions
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US $29.99
Australian Decimal Pattern Silver Coin Set Resources
- Mint information page
- Additional coin information - CoinNews.net
