1996 Proof Set

Obverse: Elizabeth II to right, legend around

Reverse: Circulating and comemmorative coin designs

Mintage: 33,350

Marks a century since the passing of Australia's Father of Federation.

Australia has been producing proof year sets ever since decimal currency was introduced in 1966.

Proof coins are the same as those we see in our change, but are struck with specially prepared machinery on specially prepared blanks - the designs always stand out magnificently.

The 1996 $1 coin features the (somewhat unattractive) bust of Sir Henry Parkes - a key figure leading up to Australia's federation in 1901.

The mint sets between 1985 and 1996 are an interesting series - many of them include coins that weren't ever issued for circulation.

youll never find a 10cent  piece dated 1996 in your change, because they were only ever put out in the proof and mint sets.

This means the proof sets will be much tougher to get in years to come - a lot of them will be broken by collectors just wanting the coins inside them.

The coins in this set are in perfect condition, as is the packaging