2013 $1 Coin - Bicentenary of the Holey Dollar & Dump - 'C' Mintmark

2013 $1 Bicentenary of the Holey Dollar & Dump – 'C' Mintmark

This commemorative $1 coin was released by the Royal Australian Mint to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the Holey Dollar and Dump, Australia's first official currency. Introduced in 1813 by Governor Lachlan Macquarie, the original coins were created to overcome a desperate shortage of currency in the early colony of New South Wales.

This specific edition features the prestigious 'C' Mintmark, signifying it was struck at the Royal Australian Mint in Canberra.

Key Features and Specifications

• Year of Issue: 2013
• Mintmark: 'C' (Canberra)
• Theme: Bicentenary of the Holey Dollar & Dump (1813–2013)
• Reverse Design: A creative numismatic tribute featuring the Holey Dollar and the Dump, commemorating the work of William Henshall, the colony's first "mint master."
• Obverse Design: Features the Ian Rank-Broadley effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
• Composition: Aluminium Bronze
• Legal Tender: Official Australian $1 coin.

Historical Significance

To create the original currency, Macquarie took 40,000 Spanish silver eight-reale coins and had the centres punched out. The outer ring became the "Holey Dollar" (valued at five shillings) and the centre piece became the "Dump" (valued at fifteen pence). This ingenious move prevented the coins from leaving the colony, as they were only legal tender within New South Wales, effectively stabilising the early Australian economy.

Condition and Presentation

The coin is presented in its original official Royal Australian Mint fold-out presentation card, which contains historical details about the birth of Australian coinage.

Condition Note: While the coin remains in uncirculated condition, minor wear to the edges or corners of the card may be present due to the age of the release. In some cases, coins may be housed in archival Mylar coin flips for added protection.