| Descrizione del dritto |
4th portrait of Queen Elizabeth II facing right wearing the Girls of Great Britain and Ireland Tiara. |
| Scrittura del dritto |
Latin |
| Legenda del dritto |
ELIZABETH II AUSTRALIA 2010 1DOLLAR IRB |
| Descrizione del rovescio |
Portrayal of Burke and Wills as they are represented in Charles Summers’ sculpture on the corner of Melbourne’s Swanston and Collins Streets. |
| Scrittura del rovescio |
Latin |
| Legenda del rovescio |
BURKE & WILLS P AH |
| Bordo |
Milled |
| Zecca |
P
Perth Mint, Australia(1899-date) |
| Tiratura |
2010 P - BU in PNC - 56 065
|
| ID Numisquare |
1056993860 |
Historical Context: The 2010 Australian one-dollar coin (KM#1490) commemorates the 150th anniversary of the tragic Burke and Wills expedition (1860-1861), a pivotal event in Australia's inland exploration. Issued under Elizabeth II, featuring her fourth effigy, this piece reflects Australia's engagement with its colonial past and the discovery narrative. It links the modern Commonwealth nation to a significant historical milestone, underscoring the challenges of early geographical exploration and national identity.
Artistry: The obverse bears Ian Rank-Broadley's Fourth Portrait of Queen Elizabeth II, distinguished by its mature portraiture and the artist's "IRB" initials below the truncation. The reverse, designed by Wojciech Pietranik, skillfully portrays Robert O'Hara Burke, William John Wills, a camel, and a compass rose, encapsulating the expedition's theme. Pietranik's "WP" initials are discreetly integrated. This design exemplifies modern Australian numismatic art, blending historical narrative with precise illustrative detail, characteristic of the Royal Australian Mint's issues.
Technical/Grading: For optimal grading, examine high-relief areas. On the obverse, inspect the queen's hair above the ear, the tiara's central elements, and the crown's highest points. On the reverse, key areas prone to wear or contact marks include the explorers' hats and faces, the camel's hump, and the delicate lines within the compass rose and the "150 YEARS" banner. Absence of rub or contact marks on these specific details, particularly the fine lettering and numerical elements, indicates a premium grade.