12/01/2000
The Royal Australian Mint -the national Mint- has released to the Public today, the first collector coin sets for the Centenary of Federation Coin Program. These are the collector Year Sets which contain the standard coins, from 5c to $2, having the designs we will see in circulation next year.
The release of the six coin Year Set marks the beginning of the 2001 coin collector year. To celebrate our Centenary year, this set contains two coins each with a special commemorative design: the $1 coin has the Centenary of Federation logo and the 50c coin has the full Commonwealth Coat of Arms (below).
In the Proof set, both of these coins are in colour while the "uncirculated" set has the coins as we normally see them, in struck format. Later in 2001 these two designs will appear on circulating coins so enabling all Australians to have a lasting memento of our 100th birthday.
The 2001 Six Coin Sets are available from the Royal Australian Mint, coin dealers and selected Australia Post outlets from 1 December 2000. Currently, the two commemorative coins are available as collector versions only.
The $1 coin features the official Centenary of Federation logo, designed in a style reminiscent of a signature signifying Australia's identity. The Set includes all Australian circulating denominations dated '2001'.
The 50c coin features the Commonwealth Coat of Arms at its centre, surrounded by Australia's floral emblem, the Golden Wattle. It is said that the kangaroo and emu were chosen as neither animal can move backwards, denoting an advancing nation. The symbols of the original colonies which Federated on 1 January 1901 are inside the central shield. A border surrounds them, signifying Federation. The seven-pointed Commonwealth Star appears above. Also part of the 2001 Six Coin Proof Set.