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Australia Hyde Park Barracks

2011 Proof Five Dollar

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This Five Dollar Solid Gold coin focusing on Hyde Park Barracks is part of the Colonial Heritage series. The coin forms part of a set of six which also includes Port Arthur Historic site, Cascades Female Factory, Freemantle Prison, Coal Mines Historic Site and Old Government House. The reverse was designed by Vladimir Gottwald and features the artists drawing of the Hyde Park Barracks viewed from outside its walled compound. It contains the legend HYDE PARK BARRACKS 1/25 OZ.9999 Au. The obverse contains an Ian Rank-Broadley portrait of Queen Elizabeth II right-facing with tiara and earrings. The legend ELIZABETH II AUSTRALIA 2011 5 DOLLARS encircles the image.

Built back in 1819, Hyde Park Barracks was designed by convicted architect, Francis Greenway (Sydney Living Museums, 2013) . It is located at the top of Macquarie Street in Sydney. The barracks provided lodgings for convicts working in government employment around Sydney until its closure in 1848. After this, the main dormitory housed female immigrants and various government offices occupied surrounding buildings until the middle of the twentieth century. Over the years Hyde Park Barracks had deteriorated and was in need of restoration. Local citizens stepped in to save the building and it now serves as a museum. The museum shows visitors how life would have been for Sydney's convicts with videos, photos and many artefacts. Even evening jazz festivals can be found within its grounds during the summer months.