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Australia Henry Parkes

1996-S  One Dollar reverse 1996-S  One Dollar obverse

1996-S One Dollar

Mintage:49,964
Reverse Designer:Wojciech Pietranik Obverse Designer:Raphael Maklouf Size:25mm Weight:9g Edge:Interrupted Composition:92% Copper
6% Aluminium
2% Nickel

Values

Sales History

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Sir Henry Parkes of Coventry, England, was considered to be the Father of Australian Federation. Since his arrival in Sydney, Australia in 1839 he had immersed himself into politics and gained a reputation for being of great character and intellect. With this in mind, the Royal Australian Mint struck this commemorative one dollar in 1996 to coincide with the 100th anniversary of his passing. The reverse shows a Wojciech Pietranik portrait of Sir Henry Parkes along with the legend SIR HENRY PARKES 1815 - 1896 "FATHER" OF FEDERATION. The obverse shows the Raphael Maklouf effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II facing right with crown and earrings. The legend reads ELIZABETH II AUSTRALIA 1996. In addition to the regular variety a number of pieces were counter-stamped with (S, M, C, B, and A).

Melbourne (M) counter-stamp on 1996-M (Henry Parks) One Dollar piece. Melbourne (M) counter-stamp on 1996-M (Henry Parks) One Dollar piece.

From his humble beginnings in England, he was involved in politics at his workplace by attempting to improve conditions for his fellow workers. After a tragedy befalling his children, he decided to make a new life in Australia. Initially he worked as a labourer and moving into customs on the referral of some acquaintances he made progress through time. He tried his hand at running newspapers including the 'Empire' but he lacked business acumen and failed dismally. Even though he had failed as a businessman, he had still gained recognition through his newspaper columns. His views on politics and his campaign for constitutional reform and freedom and independence for Australia had been duly noted by the public. Throughout his political presence he campaigned tirelessly for independence and the federation. He had five terms of office in New South Wales as Premier (Parkes Shire Council, 2014) and he was heavily involved in drawing up the constitution but alas he unfortunately passed away before the final draft was composed. This was completed in the late 1890's and Australia went on to become a Federation on the 1st January 1901 five years after his demise. Despite this, he will always be remembered as the Father of Federation.

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