Product Description
Specifications
1995 Masterpieces in Silver: Colonial Australia Proof Coin Set
Product Overview
The 1995 Masterpieces in Silver: Colonial Australia Proof Coin Set celebrates the people, industries and achievements that helped shape Australia's colonial history. Issued by the Royal Australian Mint, this five-coin collection explores the development of agriculture, transport, communications, settlement and the goldfields.
Each coin is struck from 35.79g of .925 sterling silver in a detailed proof finish, giving the complete set a combined fine silver content of approximately 165.53g (5.322 troy ounces).
With an issue limit of 20,000 sets, the collection combines Australian colonial history with the craftsmanship of the Royal Australian Mint. Its five distinctive designs make it an appealing addition to a collection of Australian commemorative and historical coins.
Key Features & Benefits
- Five Silver Proof Coins – Five Australian $5 commemorative coins celebrating Colonial Australia.
- Sterling Silver – Each coin contains 35.79g of .925 silver, equivalent to approximately 1.064 troy ounces of fine silver.
- Historic Australian Themes – Celebrates important figures and developments from Australia's colonial period.
- Proof Finish – Features mirrored fields and finely detailed frosted designs.
- Limited Issue – Maximum production of 20,000 sets.
- Original Presentation – Presented in Royal Australian Mint collector packaging with accompanying documentation.
Design & Craftsmanship
The five coins feature individual reverse designs highlighting the people and developments that helped transform colonial Australia:
- The Gold Rush Era – Celebrates the discovery of gold and the economic and social changes brought about by Australia's gold rushes.
- Elizabeth Macarthur – Recognises her contribution to the development of Australia's wool industry.
- Colonel William Light – Honours the surveyor and planner whose work shaped the city of Adelaide.
- Cobb & Co. – Commemorates the famous coaching company that helped connect colonial communities through passenger and mail transport.
- Charles Todd – Celebrates the pioneering engineer associated with Australia's overland telegraph communications.
Together, the designs capture important chapters in Australia's colonial development, combining historical storytelling with the craftsmanship of the Royal Australian Mint.
Each obverse features Raphael Maklouf's effigy of Queen Elizabeth II, together with the issuing country and 1995 year-date.
Authentication & Specifications
Mint: Royal Australian Mint
Country: Australia
Year: 1995
Series: Masterpieces in Silver
Collection: Colonial Australia
Product Type: Five-Coin Silver Proof Set
Metal: Silver
Purity: 92.5% / .925 Sterling Silver
Individual Coin Weight: 35.79g
Total Gross Weight: 178.95g
Total Fine Silver Content: Approx. 165.53g / 5.322 Troy Oz
Diameter: Approx. 38.9mm per coin
Denomination: $5 AUD per coin
Number of Coins: 5
Finish: Proof
Obverse: Queen Elizabeth II
Obverse Designer: Raphael Maklouf
Reverse Themes: Gold Rush Era, Elizabeth Macarthur, Colonel William Light, Cobb & Co. and Charles Todd
Maximum Issue: 20,000 Sets
Packaging: Royal Australian Mint Presentation Case
Packaging & Availability
The 1995 Colonial Australia Masterpieces in Silver Set is presented in its Royal Australian Mint collector case, accompanied by the original collector documentation, including a Certificate of Authenticity.
The presentation cases and outer packaging associated with this release are known to develop surface flaking or deterioration over time. Minor wear, marks or flaking may be present and are considered consistent with the age of the collection.
Discover More
Explore our range of silver coins , including Royal Australian Mint proof sets, Australian commemorative releases and historic collector coins.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the 1995 Colonial Australia set significant?
The collection commemorates five important developments and individuals associated with Australia's colonial growth. Together, the designs explore the foundations of agriculture, transport, communications, urban settlement and the gold rush economy.
What is the significance of the five historical themes?
The subjects represent major changes in colonial Australia. Elizabeth Macarthur helped develop the wool industry, William Light planned Adelaide, Cobb & Co. connected communities, Charles Todd advanced communications, and the gold rushes transformed Australia's population and economy.
What makes the Colonial Australia set appealing to collectors?
The set combines five historical Australian themes, sterling silver and proof-quality craftsmanship in a single Royal Australian Mint release. Its limited production and original presentation also make it an appealing addition to collections focused on Australian history and commemorative coinage.
Why is the Masterpieces in Silver series popular with Australian coin collectors?
The Royal Australian Mint's Masterpieces in Silver series brings together historical subjects, detailed coin designs and proof-quality silver. Each annual collection explores a different aspect of Australian history, culture or achievement, making the sets appealing both individually and as part of a wider collection.
Condition Note: This is a vintage collectible. Minor imperfections to the coins, Certificate of Authenticity, presentation case or outer packaging may be present and are considered consistent with age, storage and previous handling. Surface flaking or deterioration of the presentation case is common for this release. Individual examples may vary slightly in appearance.