This five Dollar
proof
Silver coin was designed as a
commemorative
item, which celebrates the important historical voyage of HMS Investigator. It is one coin from a set of four, five Dollar
coins, which together pay tribute to the most important voyages that contributed to or played a significant role in Australian
history. With the continent, that we now know as Australia being so difficult to reach and completely unknown, it took skills
and dedication to make the discoveries for which these voyages were responsible. They allowed Europeans to gain access to
the landmass and continued to open and educate regarding the nature of the land. Each of the coins that make up the set was
struck into a sterling silver planchet and features a beautiful
design that each depicts a different vessel. As well as HMS Investigator being commemorated in this set are the Duyfken,
HMS Sirius and HMB Endeavour. The set named 'Voyages into History' is one of the Masterpieces in Silver collections and was
released in 2002.
The obverse of the coin features the traditional portrait of Her Majesty
Queen Elizabeth, designed by British sculptor Ian Rank-Broadley. This is complimented by the legend "ELIZABETH II AUSTRALIA 2002".
The reverse is beautifully designed by Polish sculptor and artist Wojciech
Pietranik, who has had a long collaboration with the Masterpieces in Silver collections. HMS Investigator is depicted and
is framed with swirling lines that feature on the reverse of each coin
from this set, possibly representing the wind in the ships sails. The legend "VOYAGES INTO DISCOVERY, HMS Investigator" and
"5 DOLLARS" frame the ship. The four coins are packaged in a 'Masterpieces in Silver 2002, Voyages into History' presentation
case accompanied with a replica of a navel captains sash badge.
(Royal Australian Mint Issue Vol 49, 2002)
Also included inside is a book telling the stories of each of the voyages as well as a Certificate of Authenticity.
HMS Investigator is included within this commemorative series for its impressive achievements as the first vessel to circumnavigate
Australia. This important success came in 1802 under the command of Lieutenant Matthew Flinders. The results allowed the
entire coastline to be mapped and also provided opportunity for the study of plant and animal life on the island.
(Wikipedia, 2013)
A ship that could be spared from service in the war was chosen and modified to include cabins for scientists and room
for supplies. On completion of the modifications Flinders wrote of the ship nearly resembled the description of a vessel
recommended by Captain Cook
(Voyage to Terra Australis, 1814)
. The Voyages into History presentation case includes a replica of navel captains badge such as the one that would
have been worn by Matthew Flinders. The complete circumnavigation took place between 1801 and 1803, by which time the poor
condition of the ship was evident and Flinders left the decommissioned Investigator in Port Jackson.
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