5 Dollars - Elizabeth II 4th Portrait - 125 Years of State Government Western Australia - Silver Proof

Historical Context: The 2015 Australian five-dollar silver proof coin commemorates 125 years of State Government in Western Australia. Issued during the reign of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, this commemorative piece marks a significant historical milestone for one of Australia's largest states. The year 1890 saw the establishment of responsible self-government in Western Australia, a crucial step towards its eventual federation and a testament to its developing political autonomy. This coin therefore encapsulates a pivotal moment in Australian statehood and governance.

Artistry: The obverse features the acclaimed Fourth Portrait of Queen Elizabeth II by Ian Rank-Broadley, depicting the monarch in profile, adorned with the Girls of Great Britain and Ireland Tiara. This widely recognized effigy exemplifies modern realist portraiture in numismatics. The reverse design, characteristic of contemporary Australian commemorative issues, symbolically represents Western Australia's state government. It typically incorporates elements reflective of the state's unique identity and its long history of self-governance, often rendered with a blend of heraldic and thematic motifs.

Technical/Grading: Struck in .999 fine silver to a proof finish, this coin exhibits exceptional technical qualities. Its substantial weight of 36.31 grams and diameter of 38.74 millimeters provide a generous canvas for intricate detail. High-points for grading typically include the Queen's hair and tiara on the obverse, and fine architectural or symbolic elements on the reverse. The proof strike ensures sharply frosted devices against a deeply mirrored field, highlighting the precision of the engraving and the coin's overall pristine condition.