Background photo by Gregory H. Revera.
The Royal Australian Mint has released (3rd September) new silver collector coins which are part of their three-coin series entitled “Earth & Beyond” that looks at space travel and the wonders of the heavens. Following the first domed coin in the series, which depicted the Earth as seen from space, this new release celebrates the Moon — our closest celestial companion. The new series seeks to showcase our extraordinary planet and beyond with dome-shaped coins which accentuate the theme of the series.
The second coin focuses on the Moon, our familiar night companion which has inspired generations to such an extent that just 66 years after the first flight of the Wright Brothers at Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, in 1903, the first man walked on the moon. This amazing accomplishment was followed by 11 other humans who walked on the same surface from that time until the last manned flight to the Moon in December 1972. This achievement, which was essentially the result of the space race between the United States of America and the now-defunct Soviet Union, would thrill and inspire a new generation of scientists and artists, helping us to better understand our universe.
Hover to zoom.
The 2019-dated $5 domed silver Proof Moon coin is the second in the series entitled “Earth & Beyond” and is the first concave coin to include colour in its design. Together with the convex shape of the new Earth & Beyond coin, which adds depth and accuracy to the design, colour has been applied on the convex surface — a first for this particular shape — resulting in a more realistic depiction of the Moon that is also enhanced on a domed convex surface.
The obverse of the coin features Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s effigy sculpted by Ian Rank-Broadley, surrounded by the planets of our solar system. This 2019-dated coin will have additional collector appeal since it carries the year in which the Royal Australian Mint will change the effigy on Australian circulation and collector coins to the new portrait created by Royal Mint engraver Jody Clark — which is not included on this coin.
| Denom. |
Metal |
Weight | Diameter | Quality |
Maximum Mintage |
| $5 |
.999 Silver |
31.1 g | 39.62 mm | Proof with applied colour |
5,000 |
The coin is displayed in a beautiful presentation case along with a numbered certificate of authenticity. For additional information about other coins in this intergalactic space-themed series, please visit the website of the Royal Australian Mint.
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