1998 Royal Australian Mint Uncirculated Coin Set - Bass & Flinders

1998 Australian Uncirculated Mint Set – Bicentenary of Bass & Flinders (Bass Strait)

Journey back to a defining moment in Australian maritime history with the official 1998 Royal Australian Mint Six-Coin Uncirculated Set. Issued to commemorate the 200th anniversary of George Bass and Matthew Flinders' historic 1798 voyage, this release honours the journey that charted Bass Strait and confirmed Van Diemen's Land (Tasmania) as an island separate from the mainland.

The collection features the special one-year-only commemorative 50c coin celebrating Bass and Flinders alongside the standard 5c, 10c, 20c, $1, and $2 circulating designs. With a low mintage of just 74,108 sets, this is a highly collectible landmark release.

Design Details & Key Features

• Year of Issue: 1998
• Set Type: Official Royal Australian Mint Annual Uncirculated Set
• Theme: Bicentenary of Bass & Flinders Exploration (1798–1998)
• Complete 6-Coin Set: Includes 5c, 10c, 20c, 50c, $1, and $2 coins.
• Special 50c Design: Features a commemorative reverse design paying tribute to Bass, Flinders, and the charting of Bass Strait.
• Obverse Design: Features the 3rd definitive portrait of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II by Raphael Maklouf.
• Finish: Uncirculated
• Mintage: Strictly limited to 74,108 sets
• Issuer: Royal Australian Mint
• Packaging: Official full-colour presentation sleeve and fold-out packaging.
• Catalogue Reference: Numista S#1256

Condition and Presentation Note

The set is presented in its original Royal Australian Mint official display sleeve and fold-out card insert.

• Uncirculated Quality: All six coins remain in original uncirculated condition, exhibiting sharp strike detail and original mint lustre. Minor microscopic planchet marks or light factory handling lines consistent with a commercial mint strike may be present.
• Toning: As is characteristic of base metal circulating alloy sets, some natural toning, spot patina, or light surface aging may be present due to original packaging materials and age.
• Packaging & Shelf Wear: Supplied in its original themed presentation packaging. Please note that outer slipcovers and sleeves may exhibit minor shelf wear, light scuffing, or subtle corner softening consistent with handling and storage over the years.