2011 Masterpieces in Silver - The Royal Australian Navy

Commemorate a Century of Service: Rare 2011 RAN Masterpieces in Silver Set #219 (Limited Edition)

An exceptional opportunity to own a rare piece of Australian numismatic history. According to the Annual Report, only 1,752 of a maximum 5,000 of these sets were ever produced, and this is set number #219.

Celebrate a significant milestone in Australian history with this stunning six-coin proof set: the 2011 Masterpieces in Silver - 100 Years of the Royal Australian Navy. This is the final release in the esteemed Masterpieces in Silver series, a long-running collection produced by the Royal Australian Mint from 1988 to 2011, dedicated to iconic Australian themes and events.

To mark this historic occasion, the Royal Australian Mint has crafted six magnificent sterling silver proof coins. For the first time in the series, these designs are struck on a substantial 34mm coin blank of a $2 denomination.

Each coin showcases a significant Australian naval ship, each with its own unique and compelling history:

• HMAS AE2: One of the Royal Australian Navy’s earliest submarines, commissioned in 1914 following the outbreak of World War I.
• HMAS Australia II: A County class heavy cruiser commissioned in 1928.
• HMAS Hobart II: An Adams class guided missile destroyer, ordered for the Royal Australian Navy in the 1960s.
• HMAS Yarra III: A modified Type 12 frigate, commissioned in 1961.
• HMAS Sydney III: A veteran of two tours of duty during the Korean War and completed 24 round trips between Australia and Vung Tau during the Vietnam War
• HMAS Armidale II: A patrol boat commissioned in 2005, routinely involved in border protection duties.

This exquisite set honours the proud history and invaluable contribution of the Royal Australian Navy over the past century. While ships are essential, it's the dedicated men and women who have served that have forged the Navy's formidable reputation.

Woven into the narratives of these great vessels are the personal stories of those who lived, worked, and made the ultimate sacrifice defending Australia and its allies. Since 1911, the honour, honesty, courage, integrity, and loyalty of our personnel have been the very lifeblood of our Navy and the ships they serve on.   

This exceptional six-coin set is presented in a handsome, custom-made case. The outer packaging features a dynamic image depicting young Australian naval seamen enjoying a moment of respite amidst the demanding realities of life at sea.

Product as shown.