5 Dollars - Elizabeth II (3rd Portrait - Dame Nellie Melba - Masterpieces in Silver) 1996 front 5 Dollars - Elizabeth II (3rd Portrait - Dame Nellie Melba - Masterpieces in Silver) 1996 back
5 Dollars - Elizabeth II (3rd Portrait - Dame Nellie Melba - Masterpieces in Silver) 1996 photo
© Richard Thomas

5 Dollars - Elizabeth II 3rd Portrait - Dame Nellie Melba - Masterpieces in Silver

1996 year
Silver (.925) 35.79 g 38.9 mm
Description
Issuer
Australia
Queen
Elizabeth II (1952-2022)
Type
Non-circulating coin
Year
1996
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
References
Numista
N#161253
Rarity index
90%

Reverse

Picture of Dame Nellie Melba, Value and denomination to the left.

Script: Latin

Lettering:
Dame Nellie Melba
5
DOLLARS
VG

Designer: Vladimir Gottwald

Edge

Reeded

Comment

The Royal Australian Mint issued in 1996 a National Identity Masterpieces in Silver Proof $5 Dollars, Five Coin Set with reverse designs paying tribute to people and events that have had a major influence in making us uniquely Australian. This particular coin celebrates Dame Nellie Melba.

Dame Nellie Melba (1861-1931) was during her lifetime, almost larger than life. Her glorious voice dazzled audiences in Australia, England and the USA. Her tough will and extraordinary self-confidence made her an ambivalent hero of national identity. Australians loved - and loved to criticise - their most flamboyant 'tall poppy'.

Interesting fact

One interesting fact about the Non-circulating coin 5 Dollars - Elizabeth II (3rd Portrait - Dame Nellie Melba - Masterpieces in Silver) 1996 from Australia is that it features a unique design that honors Dame Nellie Melba, a renowned Australian opera singer. The coin's reverse side features an image of Dame Melba in a dramatic pose, surrounded by musical notes and a representation of the opera house. This design was created by the Royal Australian Mint's chief engraver, Vladimir Gottwald, and it is considered a masterpiece of numismatic art.

Price

Date Mintage VG F VF XF AU UNC
1996  9031 - - - - - -

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 - Dame Nellie Melba - Masterpieces in Silver) 1996 coin.