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Australia Macarthur

1995 Proof Five Dollar reverse 1995 Proof Five Dollar obverse

1995 Proof Five Dollar

Mintage:14,000
Reverse Designer:Wojciech Pietranik Obverse Designer:Raphael Maklouf Size:39mm Weight:35.79g Edge:Reeded Composition:92.5% Silver
7.5% Copper

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This $5 silver proof coin commemorates the contributions of Elizabeth MacArthur, for her role in the foundation of Australia cotton industry and to the development of the country as an effective and successful colony. This coin is just one out of a five piece set of five dollar coins, each struck in sterling silver and each of which commemorates a person, place or event that played an invaluable role in turning the continent of Australia from the penal settlement it once was into the thriving nation it is today. On first arrival the Australian terrain provided a harsh and somewhat hostile environment in which to survive, but thanks to these early efforts in pioneering the country was able to celebrate industry, communications, transport and economy. All of these things helped to improve the quality of life that could be sustained by the people. Joining Elizabeth McArthur being commemorated in this culturally significant silver coin set are Colonel William Light, The Gold Rush, Cobb & Co and Charles Todd. The set, released in 1995 is one from the Masterpieces in Silver collection and is named "Colonial Australia."

The reverse of the coin, designed by Wojciech Pietranik bears the portrait of Elizabeth MacArthur. Set back from her portrait are a number of sheep within a fence, which of course represent the wool industry in which she played such a major part. The legend on this side of the coin reads ELIZABETH MACARUTHUR 1766-1850. Also featured on the reverse is the legend 5 DOLLARS. The obverse features the traditional Maklouf portrait of Queen Elizabeth II and is surrounded by the legend ELIZABETH II AUSTRALIA 1995. This coin along with the remaining four to complete the set was originally packaged in a simple black box stamped on the outside of the lid with the text 1995 MASTERPIECES IN SILVER and the inner side with ROYAL AUSTRALIAN MINT. The original collection of which there was a limited mintage of 20,000 came with a certificate of authenticity.

Card Included in the 1995 Colonial Australia Collection Card Included in the 1995 Colonial Australia Collection

Elizabeth Macarthur was born in England but in 1790, accompanied by her husband and son, she joined the colony of New South Wales, Australia. As an educated woman arriving in a convict town and infant colony of Sydney she was instantly well regarded and held a high position in society. Her husband was not well liked but thanks to her charm and respectability the MacArthur family was able to maintain a good social standing. When her husband returned to England to avoid arrest, she was left responsible for the household and began to make the contribution to the trade and transport of wool for which she would eventually become famous. She was highly praised and considered essential to the establishment of New South Wales as a reliable supplier of high quality wool. She is not only commemorated in this 1995 $5 silver coin but also has The Elizabeth Macarthur Agriculture Institute named in her honour. (Wikipedia, 2013)

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