The Biscuit Sea Star Fish is a starfish that is found uniquely around the Australian coastline. It takes the name biscuit
because of its similar size and is orange in colour. It is usually found on rocky shores and in shallow coastal waters
(Australian Museum, 2010)
. To recognise this small starfish the Royal Australian Mint struck this commemorative one dollar uncirculated coin
intended for collection. It is one coin of the first series of coins issued by the RAM that made extensive use of pad printing
techniques in order to create a bright and colourful design. They were intended to target a young audience and both educate
them on the Australian marine life as well as provoke an interest in collecting coins. The coins have certainly achieved
a fun and colourful look and have proved to be popular amongst both children and adults alike.
This uncirculated one dollar Biscuit star fish coin is intended
for collectors with the hope of catching the interests and attention of a younger audience. This coin is the second in a
series dedicated to Australian ocean life that was released by the Royal Australian Mint over two years, between 2006 and
2007. The other marine life that accompanied this coin in the series includes the clown fish, the bottle nosed dolphin, the
bannerfish, the white shark and the seahorse. Each of the coins were issued individual and were encapsulated and presented
on a card with colourful photographs of the featured marine life as well as fun facts and relevant information.
This particular coin pays tribute to the biscuit star fish and the reverse
designed by Tony Dean, features the unusual, bright orange specimen on top a multi couloured bed that is the coral reef.
This colour printed image is restricted to a square. To the right of the square, struck into the planchet is the number 1
whilst on top of the image is the legend DOLLAR. The obverse features
the Ian Rank-Broadley effigy of Queen Elizabeth II as well as the traditional
legend
found on all Australian 1 dollar coins, which reads ELIZABETH II AUSTRALIA 2007.
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