This is the first silver
proof
coin from a
commemorative
set called the Australian Landmark series and it celebrates the Sydney Opera House. The series was released in three
stages with 6 coins altogether released in pairs according to three themes between the years of 1997-1999. The three themes
were Sydney, Melbourne and the Snowy Mountains. This particular coin is of course taken from the Sydney theme issued in 1997,
in which it was paired with a coin commemorating Sydney Harbour Bridge. The Melbourne pair, released in 1998 commemorates
Melbourne cricket Ground and Melbourne Tram. Finally the Snowy Mountain themed pair was issued in 1999 and commemorates the
Snowy Mountains Dam and the Snowy Mountains Tunnel. All six of the coins were stuck into sterling silver and feature quality
design and workmanship from the Royal Australian Mint.
The reverse of this silver coin was designed by Wojciech Pietranik
and features the Sydney Opera House. The
legend
above reads SYDNEY OPERA HOUSE and the one below is the denomination 10 DOLLARS. The
obverse features the traditional portrait of her Majesty Queen Elizabeth as designed by Raphael Maklouf and the
legend
ELIZABETH II AUSTRALIA 1997. The original packaging for this coin and its pair was an oblong box with a photograph featuring
both the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge. COINS OF THE HARBOUR CITY is written above and SYDNEY AUSTRALIA 1997 below.
A tin box is included inside in which the two coins are presented and accompanied with a small booklet.
1997 Australian Landmarks
The Sydney Opera House is one of the most iconic and recognisable buildings in the world and is one of Australia's most
popular tourist attractions. Since it's opening by her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II in 1973 the striking design of the sails
on the roof of the building has almost come to symbolise the nation of Australia.
(Australian Government, 2013)
The building which was designed by Danish architect, Jorn Utzon is a multi-venue performing arts centre and one of the
busiest in the world. Each year guided tours are provided to over 200,000 people every year not to mention the 1.2 million
whom attend performances. It is located on Bennelong point in Sydney Harbour and is one of the most photographed buildings
in the world. In 2007 it was made a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
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