Western Australian student's design featured in new state coin set
5th September 2001
A new commemorative 20 cent coin for Western Australia was officially launched today, featuring a design by a Western Australian high school student.
Janice Ng, from Forrestfield Senior High School, created her design during late 2000 as a Year 10 student, in response to a national competition by the Royal Australian Mint. Her design was selected from approximately 300 entries from 95 primary and secondary schools throughout the State to form part of a special coin series commemorating Australia's Centenary of Federation.
The elegant design features the flower of the Red and Green Kangaroo Paw and the Bilby against an outline of Western Australia. The Red and Green Kangaroo Paw is Western Australia's official floral emblem, whilst the Bilby is one of Australia's best-known endangered species found in the State's north west.
This is the first time a set of coins has been issued specially for WA by the Royal Australian Mint since decimal currency was introduced in Australia in 1966.
In launching the coin sets, the Federal Member for Curtin, Ms Julie Bishop said "Coin designs allow us to share with future generations the symbols of what we value and what is important to us. Janice's design reflects what is special about Western Australia as part of the Commonwealth, and pays tribute to the rich heritage of the State."
The 20c coin featuring the design by Janice, a 50c piece depicting the Western Australian Coat of Arms, and a $1 coin showing the Centenary of Federation logo are combined in a Three Coin Set for Western Australia. These collector coins are now available in proof or uncirculated versions, and will be sold throughout Australia as well as to collectors overseas. The coins will be released into general circulation later in the year.
The Western Australian Three Coin Set is one of a series produced by the Royal Australian Mint for all Australian States and Self-governing Territories during 2001, as part of the Centenary of Federation celebrations.
The other State and Territory coin sets feature the common $1 coin depicting the Centenary of Federation logo, a 50c piece depicting the respective State/Territory Coat of Arms, and a 20c coin unique to each State/Territory designed by school students.
All of the coins for each State and Self-governing Territory can be collected in a 20 coin collection. The collector coin sets are available from The Royal Australian Mint on 1300 652 020, coin dealers, and from selected Australia Post outlets.
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Western Australia Centenary of Federation 20c Coin - High resolution 2250x2250 pixel JPG |
JPG 1.6MB (Zip) |