2010 Royal Australian Mint 2-Coin Uncirculated Set - 150th anniversary of the Burke and Wills Expedition

2010 2-Coin Uncirculated Set – 150th Anniversary of the Burke & Wills Expedition

This commemorative two-coin set was released by the Royal Australian Mint in 2010 to mark the 150th anniversary of the legendary Burke and Wills expedition. In 1860, Robert O'Hara Burke and William John Wills led an ambitious party from Melbourne with the goal of crossing the Australian continent from south to north. Their journey remains one of the most famous and tragic chapters in the history of Australian exploration.

This set features two unique commemorative designs that were not released into general circulation.

Key Features and Specifications

• Year of Issue: 2010
• Theme: 150th Anniversary of the Burke & Wills Expedition (1860–2010)
• Set Contents:
• $1 Coin: Features a moving reverse design depicting Burke and Wills with a camel, symbolizing the immense scale and hardship of their journey.
• 20c Coin: Features a detailed design of the "Dig Tree," a pivotal landmark at Bullah Bullah (Cooper Creek) that has become a symbol of the expedition's tragic conclusion.
• Obverse Design: Both coins feature the Ian Rank-Broadley effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
• Condition: Uncirculated (UNC) – Struck to a high collector standard with original mint lustre.
• Composition: Aluminium Bronze ($1) and Cupro-Nickel (20c).
• Legal Tender: Official Australian currency.

Historical Significance

The expedition was the first to successfully cross the Australian continent from south to north, but it came at a devastating cost. Out of the seven men who reached the Gulf of Carpentaria, only one, John King, survived the return journey to be rescued. This set serves as a numismatic tribute to the bravery, endurance, and historical impact of these early explorers.

Condition and Presentation

The coins are housed and sealed in their original, official Royal Australian Mint book-like cardboard folder. The packaging is richly illustrated with maps and historical information detailing the route and the story of the expedition.

Condition Note:

• Packaging: The presentation folder is in excellent condition, though as with any paper-based collectible of this age, minor shelf wear or softening of the corners may be present.
• Coin Quality: The coins are in brilliant uncirculated condition. Being struck from aluminium-bronze and cupro-nickel, the coins may exhibit very minor natural toning over time, which is characteristic of these metals.