Summary
Proof silver coin issued by Perth Mint to celebrate the Australian centenary of flight in 2010. Obverse designed by Ian Rank-Broadley. Coin Numbered 2516.
'The development of successful flying machines at the beginning of the 20th century offered significancnt benefits to Australia, an isolated nation with a vast interior. To promote interest in aviation, the Australian Aerial League invited Harry Houdini to fly his French-designed Voisin biplane during his 1910 tour of the country.
The famous escapologist's attempt took place at Diggers Rest, near Melbourne, on 18 March, 1910. Opening the throttle, Houdini took off from Plumpton's Field, staying aloft for about a minute before landing safely. A second flight saw him rise 100 feet, remaining airborne for almost five minutes. With a third successful attempt that day, Houdini is regarded as having completed the first sustained flight in Australia.'.
Physical Description
Silver proof coin printed with colour image on reverse. in acrylic capsule, in case, in cardboard box, with leaflet.
Obverse Description
Head of Elizabeth II. Around, 'ELIZABETH II . AUSTRALIA 2010 . 1 DOLLAR'. Beneath head, 'IRB'.
Reverse Description
In foreground, Houdini's bi-plane, in colour. In background, wording of poster advertising flight. Below, 'DIGGERS REST / MARCH 18th 1910 / AUSTRALIAN /CENTENARY / of Flight'.
More Information
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Collecting Areas
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Acquisition Information
Purchase
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Date Issued
2010 AD
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Issued By
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Mint
The Perth Mint, 300-310 Hay Street, Perth, Western Australia, Australia, 2010
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Artist
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Person Named
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Place & Date of Event
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Inscriptions
Obverse: 'ELIZABETH II . AUSTRALIA 2010 . 1 DOLLAR'. Beneath head, 'IRB'. Reverse: 'DIGGER'S REST / MARCH 18th 1910 / AUSTRALIAN /CENTENARY / of Flight'.
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Denomination
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Material
Silver
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Classification
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Category
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Discipline
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Type of item
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Overall Dimensions
4 mm (Depth), 40.6 mm (Outside Diameter)
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Shape
Round
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References
References: Certificate of Authenticity published by Perth Mint. Website: [Link 1]
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Keywords