2004 Royal Australian Mint Uncirculated Coin Set - Come Alive

2004 Uncirculated Commemorative Coin Set – 'Come Alive'

Celebrate the natural wonders of the Australian bush with the 2004 'Come Alive' uncirculated coin set. Struck by the Royal Australian Mint, this wonderfully vibrant set was designed to engage collectors with the unique beauty of native Australian wildlife while serving as a core milestone release for dedicated decimal date-run completionists.

Beyond its artistic merit, this particular year holds legendary status in the Australian numismatic community due to a highly publicised production variation, making it one of the most mechanically fascinating sets of the modern era.

Specifications

• Year of Issue: 2004
• Theme: Come Alive – Australian Wildlife
• Finish: Uncirculated
• Mintage: Limited to 68,752 sets worldwide
• Obverse Effigy: Ian Rank-Broadley portrait of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II (featuring minting varieties)
• Issuer / Mint: Royal Australian Mint, Canberra

Design Details & The Famous Effigy Varieties

While the reverse fields boast beautifully struck representations of iconic Australian fauna, it is the obverse side that commands intense collector interest. Due to the Mint transitioning between distinct die batches during production, this set is a famous study of an official minting anomaly:

• The "Flat A" Variety (Small Head): Recognized by a subtly smaller portrait of the Queen, where the letter "A" in the inscription "ELIZABETH" features a distinct flat top.
• The "Pointed A" Variety (Large Head): Features a slightly larger portrait fill, where the letter "A" in "ELIZABETH" terminates in a sharp, pointed top.
• The Mixed Anomaly: Because the Royal Australian Mint packaged these sets dynamically down the assembly lines, many original sets contain a fascinating structural mix of both varieties across the different denominations, creating a unique treasure hunt for completionist collectors.

Condition and Presentation Note

• Uncirculated Quality: All coins are preserved in pristine uncirculated condition, capturing sharp strike details and original, uninterrupted mint brilliance.
• Official Presentation: Safely housed inside its original, highly vibrant official Royal Australian Mint "bubble pack" presentation wallet, featuring brilliant illustrative artwork of native animals.
• Vintage Pack Wear: Please note that because this set was originally issued in 2004, the outer protective plastic and card housing may exhibit minor signs of storage scuffs, light edge softening, or faint handling wear consistent with the age of this vintage release.