The Perth Mint of Australia commemorates the 150th anniversary of the birth of an iconic Australian bush poet with new 2014 A.B. "Banjo" Patterson Gold and Silver Proof Coins.
These new commemorative coins appear in 1/4 oz gold, 5 oz silver and 1 oz silver varieties. Minted to a purity of 99.99%, each is featured in limited mintages and are available now for purchase directly from the Perth Mint.
"Andrew Barton "Banjo" Paterson CBE (1864–1941) is renowned as an Australian bush poet, but he was also a solicitor, journalist, war correspondent, soldier and author," describes a release from the Perth Mint.
"Paterson first began writing verses as a student, adopting the moniker ‘The Banjo’ which was taken from the name of a family racehorse. By 1895, Paterson’s ballads were so popular that Angus and Robertson published his collection, The Man From Snowy River and Other Verses. The first edition sold out and established the character of ‘the bushman’ as a romantic
archetype in the national consciousness."
A photographic portrait of Andrew Barton Paterson appears on the reverse of all three coins. That portrait is flanked on each side by Banksia flowers. Paterson’s signature is placed upon his portrait with the inscription of A.B. "BANJO’ PETERSON 1864-1941 above. The Perth Mint’s ‘P’ mint mark is also present.
Adding to the reverse designs, the gold coin includes a background of wild brumbies. The five ounce silver coins bear a colored depiction of a scene from The Man From Snowy River.
Finally, the one ounce silver coins depict a scene from the popular anthem Waltzing Matilda, showcasing a swagman in color.
Shown on the obverse of each release is the Ian Rank-Broadley effigy of Queen Elizabeth II. Inscribed around the portrait are "ELIZABETH II," "AUSTRALIA," "2014" and the legal tender face value.
| 5 oz Silver | 1 oz Silver | 1/4 oz Gold | |
| Metal Content (troy oz) | 5 | 1 | 0.25 |
| Face Value (AUD) | 8 | 1 | 25 |
| Fineness (% purity) | 99.9 | 99.9 | 99.99 |
| Minimum Gross Weight (g) | 155.673 | 31.135 | 7.837 |
| Maximum Diameter (mm) | 60.60 | 40.60 | 20.60 |
| Maximum Thickness (mm) | 7.90 | 4 | 2 |
| Mintage | 250 | 4,000 | 500 |
| Reverse Designer | Natasha Muhl | ||
As indicated by the chart above, mintages are set at 250 for the 5 ounce silver coins; 4,000 for the 1 ounce silver coins; and 500 of the 1/4 ounce gold coins.
The 5 oz silver proof coin ships housed in a prestigious wooden display case and is accompanied by a gold foiled $10.00 banknote which portrays Paterson. The 1/4 oz gold and 1 oz silver coins ship in a Perth Mint-branded black display case. All three include a numbered certificate of authenticity and ship inside illustrated shippers.
Prices of the commemorative coins range from a low of AUD $90 (US $83.92) to a high of AUD $631.82 (US $589.16). These prices are subject to change based on market conditions.
All three may be purchased directly from the Perth Mint while the mintage lasts. Orders are accepted via the Perth Mint website at www.perthmint.com.au.
Ad Banner to Perth Mint Website for Banjo Patterson Gold and Silver Coins
