The Assistant Treasurer, Senator Nick Sherry and modern day explorer, Jesse Martin, have today launched the first coins for 2010 which commemorate the 150th anniversary of the Burke and Wills Expedition.
The Royal Australian Mint released its newest coins alongside an exclusive Burke and Wills display at the State Library of Victoria.
"It is fitting to launch these coins in Melbourne, as not too far from where we stand was the spot where the Burke and Wills Expedition departed from almost 150 years ago," said the Assistant Treasurer.
"The Burke and Wills Expedition may have ended in tragedy but not in vain. Burke and Wills and their team were able to provide a complete picture of inland Australia and prove there was no inland sea."
"That is no minor feat and I am proud to honour the Expedition, their achievements and their stories on these two coins."
The coin designs appearing on a 20 cent and $1 coin highlight the beginning and the end of the Burke and Wills expedition – two well known events still spoken about today. The 20 cent coin design shows Burke and Wills astride camel and horse, departing on their epic journey. And the $1 coin illustrates the end of the expedition with the weary remaining sole survivor resting under the iconic carved dig tree.
"These two coins are a great collectible for those wanting to have a piece of history in their own hands," said the Assistant Treasurer.
"Coins from the Royal Australian Mint, and the themes they acknowledge, are always great mementoes of our rich and proud heritage and culture."
The 2010 Burke and Wills coins were designed by world class sculptor Wojciech Pietranik and packaging designed by Sabina Foster.
The coins are available from the Royal Australian Mint Coin Shop, the Call Centre on 1300 652 020 or online www.ramint.gov.au
For coin and packaging images please visit www.ramint.gov.au