This piece is a
commemorative
coin, which pays tribute to the contributions made to Australian culture by the artist Tom Roberts. This particular coin
is just one out of a set of five $5
proof
coins, all which were struck into sterling Silver. Australia is a country of rich culture there are people and events
that have contributed to making it so. Each coin celebrates the achievements or effects of significant people and pastimes
which have helped to shape the national Identity that Australia holds proud today. Those chosen to feature on the coins are
believed to have played an important role in inspiring and motivating others on both an individual basis and a national one.
Joining Tom Roberts in this collection of people and pastimes that helped shape Australia are Henry Lawson, Dame Nellie Melba,
The Stockman and horse racing. Together they make up a set known as "Shaping National Identity", which was released in 1996
from the Masterpieces in Silver collection struck by the Royal Australian Mint.
This coin struck in sterling silver had the reverse designed by Wojciech
Pietranik, who has worked regularly on the Masterpieces in Silver collections for the RAM. Tom Roberts himself is featured
on the reverse against a piece of artwork, which of course represents
his contribution to the world of art. The obverse of the coin features
the traditional Maklouf effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and the
legend
ELIZABETH II AUSTRALIA 1995 curls around the edge. This coin was packaged along with 4 others to create the complete
"Shaping National Identity" set, originally came in the simple black box which is a staple of the Masterpieces in Silver
Collection. A Certificate of Authenticity came with the set, which includes a short description of the coins and information
regarding the designers and sculptors. An extract from the certificate reads "Each of the five coins are struck on specially prepared blanks using hand-polished dies, following the Mint's strict quality guidelines. The finished product is a mirror-like flat surface complemented by a delicately frosted raised design."
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