2010 Australian Centenary of Flight (Houdini) Silver Proof Coin
Australian Centenary of Flight (Houdini) Coin - click on image to enlarge
General Coin Information
Celebrating 100 years since man mastered the skies above Australia is the Perth Mint's new 2010 Australian Centenary of Flight Silver Proof Coin. This coin not only honors the act of that flight, but also the man who completed it; someone who was better known as a magician than a pilot.
The year was 1910 and a famous magician was touring Australia with his act. This magician was none other than Harry Houdini. Houdini had amassed fame as an escape artist, illusionist and actor. One of his little known talents and interests was that of a pilot in the newly discovered field of aviation. Houdini was so impressed with the possibilities, he bought his own bi-plane.
Hearing of his interest in flight, officials in Australia asked the famous magician to give a demonstration. After a couple of short attempts, Houdini managed to stay aloft for more than five minutes giving him the honor of being the first person to achieve powered flight over Australia.
The coin celebrating the momentous occasion is struck from one ounce of .999 fine silver to a maximum mintage of only 7,500. It ships in a presentation case with an illustrated shipper and a certificate of authenticity.
This coin may be purchased online from the following Perth Mint page:
Australian Centenary of Flight Silver Proof Coin.
Obverse Design
The obverse contains Ian Rank-Broadley's portrait of Queen Elizabeth II. Also included are the inscriptions "Elizabeth II", "Australia", "2010" and "1 Dollar".
Reverse Design
Houdini's Voisin bi-plane is featured in color on the reverse of the coin along with words that would be typical of a poster used by Houdini to advertise the feat. Also included are the inscriptions "Diggers Rest March 18th 1910' and 'Australian Centenary of Flight.'
Centenary of Flight Silver Coin Specifications
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Mint: Perth Mint of Australia |
Perth Mint Silver Coin Auctions
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US $207.50
Centenary of Flight Silver Coin Resources
- Mint information page
- Silver coin information - Silver Coins Today
