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2002 ADELAIDE POUND $10 COIN 150th YEAR ANNIVERSARY

150 years after it first appeared, modern technology has enabled the Mint to
create a rare 'Type I' Adelaide Pound- the first gold coin to be struck in
this country using Australian gold and a local design and dies.
Due to the great shortage of coins in the colony of South Australia in the
mid 1800's, the local government authorized the Adelaide Pounds to be
struck. The government did not have the time to seek Royal Assent
prior to the issue of the coinage due to the dire shortage, so it was
struck on the authority of the Governor. While Royal Assent was
requested, letters sent by ship took months to arrive at their
destinations. Approval was eventually received from London, but by
that time supplies of Sovereigns had arrived. Instructions were given
that the Adelaide Pounds be recalled and melted down and as the pound
had a gold content higher than its face value, this was in fact already
occurring. So very few coins remain to this day and are sought after by
collectors.
Adelaide jeweler, Joshua Payne, produced the original dies and the first die
cracked after approximately only 50 coins had been produced. These
coins are known as the 'Type I' Adelaide Pound. The effect of the
cracked die is visible on the upper left section of the coin. It is thought
that less than 30 exist today.
Modern technology has enabled the Mint to scan a genuine Adelaide Pound
coin as well as a restrike (both of which are in the Mint's National
Collection), using state of the art technology. The reduction punch was
then cut directly by the Mint's recently acquired computer engraving
machine. How technology has changed since that first die was made
150 years ago! The commemorative coin features the image of the
obverse and reverse of the 'Type I' Adelaide Pound struck on a gold
plated silver center, which is the exact diameter of the original
Adelaide Pound. A ring of pure silver surrounds it. Overall this 60.50
grams pure silver proof coin is 50mm in diameter. It is in fact the
largest coin yet produced by the Mint.
The coin is housed in a beautiful presentation case and outer box cover,
doing justice to this historical and prestigious issue. A numbered
Certificate of Authenticity is included in a booklet giving the history of
events that lead up to the striking of this coin. This is the final
Certificate of Authenticity signed by the Controller, Mr Graeme
Moffatt, before his retirement. The standard image of Her Majesty appears
on the obverse of the coin, but in a departure for the Mint, in a smaller
format and in the upper section of the fine silver outer ring.
There is a limited mintage of 10000 coins to be issued by the Mint so take
this opportunity to secure a piece of history. The coin is a brilliant
addition to any collection.

STUNNINGLY BEAUTIFULLY COIN!!

$195.00AU

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