© Richard Thomas
© Richard Thomas
5 Dollars - Elizabeth II 3rd Portrait - Colonel William Light - Masterpieces in Silver
1995 year| Silver (.925) | 35.79 g | 38.9 mm |
| Issuer | Australia |
|---|---|
| Queen | Elizabeth II (1952-2022) |
| Type | Non-circulating coin |
| Year | 1995 |
| Value | 5 Dollars 5 AUD = USD 3.44 |
| Currency | Dollar (1966-date) |
| Composition | Silver (.925) |
| Weight | 35.79 g |
| Diameter | 38.9 mm |
| Thickness | 3.5 mm |
| Shape | Round |
| Technique | Milled |
| Orientation | Medal alignment ↑↑ |
| Updated | 2024-10-04 |
| Numista | N#196725 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 84% |
Reverse
Head of Colonel William Light in front of grid diagram plan of early Adelaide.
Script: Latin
Lettering:
COL. WILLIAM LIGHT 1786 • 1839
5 DOLLARS
WP
Designer: Wojciech Pietranik
Edge
Reeded
Comment
The Royal Australian Mint issued in 1995 a Colonial Australia Masterpieces in Silver Proof $5 Dollars, Five Coin Set with reverse designs celebrating Australia's primary industries, communications, transport and economy. This particular coin celebrated the achievements of William Light, the man who surveyed and planned the city of Adelaide.The beautiful city of Adelaide is a living memorial to the energy and vision of Colonel Light. He was by turns soldier, sailor, artist, mercenary, explorer and surveyor – a crowded lifetime of experience proving to be the preparation of his final magnificent work. He was appointed the Surveyor-General of South Australia in 1836, his task to establish the site of the colony's capital. He chose a site a little inland from the eastern shore of the Gulf of St Vincent which explorer Collet Barker has admired from atop Mount Lofty five years earlier.
His choice was bitterly disputed. Light, however, presented a safe and sheltered anchorage, a good water supply, and ample space for the settlement on the Adelaide plain. By March 1837, he had his well known grid plan for the city, including surrounding parklands. Colonel Light named the city, Adelaide, after the Queen. After initial setbacks, South Australia made quick progress with the development of agriculture and the discovery of minerals. From carefully planned beginnings, Adelaide grew to become the bustling centre for commerce and culture it is today.
Interesting fact
One interesting fact about this coin is that it features a unique design that showcases Colonel William Light, an Australian explorer and founder of Adelaide, on the reverse side, while the obverse side features the third portrait of Queen Elizabeth II. This design was created by the Royal Australian Mint as part of their "Masterpieces in Silver" series, which aimed to showcase iconic Australian figures and landmarks on silver coins. The coin's unique design and limited mintage make it a sought-after collector's item for numismatists and enthusiasts of Australian history.
Price
| Date | Mintage | VG | F | VF | XF | AU | UNC |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1995 | 14000 | - | - | - | - | - | - |
Values in the table are based on evaluations by sales realized on Internet platforms. They serve as an indication only for 5 Dollars - Elizabeth II (3rd Portrait - Colonel William Light - Masterpieces in Silver) 1995 coin.
