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Australia Paddlesteamer

1997 Proof Five Dollar reverse 1997 Proof Five Dollar obverse

1997 Proof Five Dollar

Mintage:10,000
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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Sales History

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This commemorative coin celebrates the role played by the paddle-steamer as a form of transportation that opened up possibilities and opportunities for the continued development of Australia as a nation. It is a five dollar proof coin struck into sterling silver by the Royal Australian Mint. The paddle-steamer coin is one from a set of five that makes up the Masterpieces in Silver collection named 'Opening of the Continent.' (Coin Web, 2013) Each coin represents a different form of transportation creating a network that connected the wide-spread colonies from across the land, enabling the progression of industry, agriculture, trade and general cultural development. Other transportation networks that are remembered and celebrated within this collection are the Bullock Team, Camel Train, Steam Train and Steam Traction Engine.

The obverse of each of the coins was designed by Raphael Maklouf and features his traditional portrait of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. This is complimented by the legend surrounding the portrait, which reads ELIZABETH II AUSTRALIA 1997. The reverse of this particular coin from the collection bears the image of a paddle-steamer travelling down a river expelling steam with trees lining the banks on either side. The only legend on the obversereads 5 DOLLARS. The collection had a limited mintage of 10,000, was packaged in a cushioned black box and came with a 1997 Masterpieces in Silver Certificate of Authenticity.

The paddle steamer was a very versatile vessel that would have been used on the rivers of Australia for a variety of purposes. Although paddle wheel boats go back as far as the 15th Century in Europe, they were important to colonial Australia during the 19th century. At this time there were very limited numbers of roads and travelling inland through the harsh terrain of the outback was challenge to say the least. Travelling on the rivers was the simplest and hugely successful method of connecting the colonies that lived along the rivers. They would transport goods and supplies such as wool and fresh produce and other would carry mail and building materials. At the beginning of the 1900's there was a vessel called the PS Etona, which acted as a floating church. (National Museum of Australia, 2013) Not only did the paddle steamers provide an important service but they also had a significant role in making the more isolated colonies feel more connected the rest of the world through sharing the news from around the various communities. One of the oldest working paddle steamers in the world can be seen at the National Museum of Australia. It is the largest object that remains to be functional at the Museum and was first put into action over 130 years ago.

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