2004 Masterpieces in Silver - 20 Years of the Australian Dollar Coin

The Masterpieces in Silver series was produced from 1988 to 2011 by the Royal Australian Mint. This long running coin series was dedicated to Australian themes and events that have shaped Australia as a nation - 20th anniversary of the release of the One dollar Australian coin

The 2004 Masterpieces in Silver- Proof sterling silver four coin set celebrates the 20th anniversary of the release of the One dollar Australian coin

To celebrate the 20th anniversary of the release of the $1 coin, the Royal Australian Mint is to release this truly unique collection of fine silver coins. The six coins in the set expound the skills of the master craftsmen and tell an intriguing story about the history of the dollar coin.

The past and the present are captured in the designs selected for their place in the development of the coin. Research in the Mint National Coin Collection revealed three coin designs, which have not been previously seen by collectors or the Australian public. The wombat design was submitted by Stuart Devlin. The other of five kangaroos has remained in the collection and included as a glimpse at what might have been. These have now been struck for the first time.

A very rare inclusion is the seven-sided experimental coin, which used the design of an Imperial Lion. This Test Piece was subsequently rejected due to impracticality and manufacturing difficulties at that time, ruling this shape out as a circulating coin. These three coins alone are 'firsts' for numismatic enthusiasts.

This actual mintage of this set was 8,250

The 2004 Masterpieces in Silver has captured the essence of the twenty year history of the dollar coin in six coins each with unique qualities