This
commemorative
one Dollar coin is one piece from the 2003 issue of the Royal Australian Mint's six coin year sets. This particular set
was entitled Australia's Volunteers - Making a Difference and as the name suggests the series pays tribute to the unsung
heroes who do in fact form the backbone of Australian Society. When the set was released in 2003 there were a recorded number
of over 4 million people who volunteered their valuable time for the sake of the community. This one Dollar coin is joined
in the set by an additional five coins each of different denominations and featuring a different design depicting the activities
of Australia's volunteers. The denominations of these coins are 5c, 10c, 20c, 50c and $2. There was also a Finale Hologram
coin that was released separately at the end of the same year.
The reverse of this coin was designed by Wojciech Pietranik. In the
centre and filling the majority of the coin is a very stylised impression of the map of Australia. Within the map is the
legend AUSTRALIA'S VOLUNTEERS. Surrounding this, tight to the edge of the coin is the legend MAKING A DIFFERENCE and the
denomination 1 Dollar. The obverse of the coin bears Ian Rank-Broadley's
portrait of her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and surrounding this is the
legend
ELIZABETH II AUSTRALIA 2003. The six coins that make up the set were presented in a sealed blue cardboard wallet and
includes a descriptive card pertaining to the set. Writing on the outer box includes 2003 SIX COIN PROOF SET, AUSTRALIA'S
VOLUNTEERS, and Making a Difference.
Volunteers play an important role in any community but Australia seems to have a particularly prominent and dedicated
workforce of individuals willing to dedicate their time for the benefit of the community. Australia as a nation has been
built with a significant amount of help from these unsung heroes who choose to sacrifice their free time, skills and knowledge
in order to help others and to strengthen their community. In 2003 the Royal Australian Mint decided it was time to thank
and celebrate these ordinary individuals who together perform the backbone of Australian society.
(Royal Australian Mint, 2002)
The coins issued look at the people and the work they do such as emergency services, carers, conservationist, charity
workers and surf life guards who truly make a positive difference to the nation of Australia.
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