2000 $1 Silver Proof Coin – Proclamation Coins of Australia

CARTWHEEL PENNY

On 19^th November 1800, the Governor of New South Wales issued a proclamation which attempted to standardise the value of the colony’s copper, silver and gold coins.  Originating from countries far and wide, these coins have become known as Proclamation Coins of Australia, representing the first series of Australian collectable coins.

One of the coins is use during this period was the 1797 British Penny which featured Britannia – a female figure representing the British Empire.  This remarkable coin was the first coin to be minted using Matthew Boulton’s steam powered press.  Earning the nickname of ‘Cartwheel’ through its large size and weight, the coin was used as a substitute for measuring weights in produce markets.

To celebrate the bicentenary of Governor King’s Proclamation, the Royal Australian Mint has produced this specially designed collector coin featuring a representation of the 1797 British ‘Cartwheel’ Penny.

The reverse design was sculpted by Wojciech Pietranik based on the original design of the 1797 British Penny. 

The coin is housed in a brown velvet coloured presentation case and box shipper, accompanied by a numbered Certificate of Authenticity.

Denomination - One Dollar

Composition - Fine Silver (99.9%)

Weight - One Troy Ounce

Diameter - 40mm

Mint - Royal Australian Mint