Summary

Creatures of the Deep 2023 $1 Mintmark & Privymark Al-Br Uncirculated Four Coin Set

A set of four uncirculated 1 dollar coins packaged in clear plastic case with cardboard cover created by Royal Australian Mint in conjunction with CSIRO featuring the research vessel (RV) Investigator, the deep towed camera technology, as well as rarely seen deep sea creatures including gold coral (Chrysogorgia), brittle star (Ophiuroidea) and spiny king crab (Neolithodes flindersi). The presentation cover depicts the tripodfish (Bathypterois grallator).

The series celebrates the journeys of scientific endeavour, and the wondrous sea creatures discovered. Museums Victoria's scientists travelled on the RV Investigator lead by Tim O'Hara on 3 voyages - the Abyss voyage in 2017 and the Indian Ocean Territories voyages in 2021 and 2022.

The king crab design looks remarkably similar to a photograph taken by Museums Victoria photographer Robert Zugaro of Specimen J 72711 in 2022.

The set contains the 'C' Mintmark (for Canberra), and the 'S', 'M' and 'B' (for Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane) Privy Mark coins.

The obverse shows the memorial portrait of Queen Elizabeth II with the years of her reign using the 2019 portrait by British engraver Jody Clark.

Physical Description

Four gold coins with cardboard surround in clear plastic case with cardboard cover.

Obverse Description

All coins bear a head of Elizabeth II. Around, ELIZABETH II 1952-2022 / AUSTRALIA 2023 / 1 DOLLAR. Artist's initials JC.

Reverse Description

All coins show the ship RV Investigator on top of the ocean with, below the water line, a deep tow camera on the left, brittle stars inside coral on the ocean floor at centre, and a king crab on the right. Across the centre right: CREATURES / OF / THE DEEP. Each coin is marked in the centre (left to right): C, B, M, S.

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