09/04/2020
The Royal Australian Mint has released two limited-edition coins celebrating the Afghan Cameleers, who played a vital role in the exploration of Australia.
From the 1860s until the 1930s, small groups of camel drivers were bought to Australia from British India, Central Asia and the Middle East. They were collectively referred to as “Afghans” or simply “Ghans”, an abbreviation which inspired the name of Australia’s famous inland railway.
Camels were ideally suited to the harsh desert conditions of inland Australia, and the cameleers provided critical support to explorers, workers and merchants. At one point, half of Australia’s population relied on camel transport for survival.
“We’re delighted to see the Afghan Cameleers get the recognition they deserve,” said Ross MacDiarmid, Royal Australian Mint CEO. “Without these brave individuals and their animals, Australia wouldn’t be the country it is today.”
To commemorate these often forgotten heroes of Australian history, the Mint has released a special 50c uncirculated coin (RRP $10.00 with mintage restricted to 30,000), as well as a 50c silver proof collectible coin (RRP $85.00 with mintage restricted to 2,500).
Both coins features the same design, which depicts a cameleer in traditional Afghan headdress standing alongside his camel laden with packs and a decorative harness. A train of pack-camels appears at the bottom of the coin, while the edges are decorated in a traditional Middle Eastern pattern.
The coins are Australian legal tender and can be purchased from the Mint’s website or contact centre (1300 652 020).
Media Enquiries
Timothy Gregg
+61 2 6202 3466
timothy.gregg@ramint.gov.au
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