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

5 Dollars - Elizabeth II 3rd Portrait - Henry Lawson - 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#161257
Rarity index
90%

Reverse

Henry Lawson standing in front of the poem TO MY FRIENDS, value and denomination at the bottom.

Script: Latin

Lettering:
Henry Lawson
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 Henry Lawson.

Henry Lawson (1867 - 1922) published his first poem in the nationalist magazine, the Bulletin, in 1887. Called Á Song for the Republic', it was a stirring call to Australians to approach the new century with courage and commitment to the nation. Lawson was central in the move towards 'realism'in literature. instead of a gentle, idyllic place, the Australian landscape was depicted as indifferent to its inhabitants, who were battlers - gaunt, tragic, but noble. In his depiction of self-reliant, indomitable, independent Australians, Lawson put into words the qualities that contributed to the nation's sense of self. He was the first Australian write to be given a State funeral.

Interesting fact

One interesting fact about this coin is that it features a portrait of Henry Lawson, a renowned Australian poet and writer, on its reverse side. This coin is part of the "Masterpieces in Silver" series, which showcases notable Australians who have made significant contributions to the country's culture and history. The inclusion of Henry Lawson's image on the coin highlights the importance of literature and the arts in Australian society.

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 - Henry Lawson - Masterpieces in Silver) 1996 coin.