This is the second silver
proof
coin from a
commemorative
set called the Australian Landmark series and it celebrates the Sydney Harbour Bridge. 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 the Sydney Opera House. 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 Harbour Bridge. The
legend
above reads SYDNEY HARBOUR BRIDGE 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 the 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
Sydney Harbour Bridge was officially opened in 1932 and the opening turned out to be quite an event. The premier at the
time, the Honourable J. T. Lang was due to cut the ribbon but at the last minute it was cut by the sword of Captain Francis
De Groot of The New Guard, who opposed the opening being performed by anyone outside of the Royal Family. After he was detained
the ribbon was tied back together and opened officially by the Premier.
(Australian Government, 2013)
After that dramatic opening, Sydney Harbour Bridge has proved to be hugely popular amongst both locals and tourists who
all relish the chance to take some photographs at the iconic landmark. It is a steel arch bridge that connects the North
Shore with Sydney Central Business District and can be crossed by rail, car, bicycle and pedestrians alike. It is a popular
spot for climbers and the Bridge Climb, which opened in 1998 allows brave climbers to reach the top for some stunning sights
of the harbour and Sydney Opera House.
(Wikipedia, 2013)
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