1966 Australian Decimal Pattern Set

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

Mint: Perth Mint of Australia    Finish/Condition: Proof    Metal Content: .999 Pure Silver    Minimum Gross Weight: 12.86g, 6.07g, 2.74g, 5.53g, 2.43g    Diameter: 28.60mm, 23.60mm, 19.60mm, 21.60mm, 17.60mm    Thickness: 3mm, 3mm, 3mm, 3mm, 3mm    Mintage Limits: 7,500    Issue Price: AUS $153.64 for the set    Face Value: 20c, 10c, 5c, 2c, 1c    Obverse Designer: Ian Rank-Broadley    Reverse Designer: Andor Mészáros

Perth Silver Coin Auctions

Australian Decimal Pattern Silver Coin Set Resources

• Mint information page
• Additional coin information - CoinNews.net