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Australia Tasmania

1991 Ten Dollar

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This commemorative ten dollar coin is one piece from an 8 coin set known as the State Series. They were released in an annual basis between the years of 1985-1993, excluding the year 1988. Each coin commemorates a different Australian State or Territory and bears the Coat of Arms of each one. This coin paying tribute to Tasmania was the sixth in the series and issued in 1991. It was joined by Victoria, South Australia, New South Wales, Queensland, Western Australia, Northern Territory and Australian Capital Territory. Each of the coins were produced in sterling silver in both proof and mint state condition.

The reverse of the coin was designed by Horst Hahne and features the Coats of Arms of Queensland. The legend reads "10 DOLLARS" at the bottom and "TASMANIA" at the top. The obverse features Raphael Maklouf's portrait of her Majesty Queen Elizabeth with the legend reading "ELIZABETH II AUSTRALIA 1991". The two different versions of the coin were issued in different kinds of packaging. The proof coin was issued in a black, hinged presentation box. The outer box of which reads "ROYAL AUSTRALIAN MINT, $10 PROOF COIN, STATE SERIES, 1991". The mint state specimen was sealed onto a card and presented in a wallet style case also including a description card which provided a brief introduction to the history of the state. Once the entire series had been released a large black presentation case was issued suitable to house the entire series.

Tasmania is an island and one state of the Commonwealth of Australia. It was named after Abel Tasman, who is reportedly the first European to sight the island back in 1642. Tasman originallynamed it Van Diemen's Land but it became Tasmania in 1856. (Wikipedia, 2013) A number of navigators sighted and landed on the island in the 18th century but it wasn't until 1802 that the first British settlers arrived on Tasmania. Most of the early settlers were convicts and in 1825 it became it's own colony separated from New south Wales. During the late 19th century the economy began to flourish with strong trade links with the British Empire and becoming a world centre for ship building. It was in 1917 that the Coat of arms was granted to the island state of Tasmania by King George V. On the shield are various images that represent the industry on Tasmania including apples, a sheaf of wheat, hops, and a ram. The crest features the red lion that is also present in the state badge and in the lions paw is a pick and shovel. Supporters on either side are the Tasmanian Tiger that is thought to have lived only on Tasmania and isnow be extinct.The motto inLatinreads "Ubertas et Fidelitas" which translates as "Fertility and Faithfulness".