The Perth Mint pays homage to Australian poet, Dorothea Mackellar, and her beloved verse, “My Country”, with the release of a stunning new collector coin set depicting rare and beautiful landscapes of Australia.
In 1904, after spending time in London, and feeling homesick for Australia, Mackellar began writing “My Country”. Several re-writes later, the poem was published in The Spectator in London in 1908, under its original title, “Core of My Heart”.
Known today as one of the most recognised and celebrated pieces of Australian poetry ever written, “My Country” presents a contrast between the English and Australian landscapes, and expresses the inspired patriotic sentiments and sense of great national pride, particularly during World War I.
“The Australian countryside was a continual source of inspiration for Dorothea Mackellar, and today, it remains a major influence for many Perth Mint collector coin programs,” said Perth Mint Sales and Marketing Director, Ron Currie.
“We are truly honoured to commemorate this renowned poet and her contribution to Australian literature,” he added.
Struck from 1oz of 99.9% pure silver, the first individual rectangle coin released from this prestigious four-coin set, depicts a colour image of an Australian plain with two kangaroos grazing amongst the wildflowers, with a homestead in the background. The inscription I LOVE A
SUNBURNT COUNTRY…A LAND OF SWEEPING PLAINS and The Perth Mint’s ‘P’ mintmark also appears in the feature design.
The remaining three individual coins, which will be released bi-monthly from April to December, will also each depict a coloured image of a natural landscape and a native Australian animal. Each design will include the inscription I LOVE A SUNBURNT COUNTRY and a line from the second stanza of the famous poem describing the depicted scene, and The Perth Mint’s ‘P’ mintmark.
Priced at $104.00 for each individual coin and $416.00 for the four-coin set, the Sunburnt Country coin program can be purchased from The Perth Mint at 310 Hay Street in East Perth, by telephoning toll free 1800 098 817, or by visiting perthmint.com.au.
Collectors can also purchase the stunning new collector series from leading coin dealers and Australia Post outlets.
Learn about more of The Perth Mint’s collector coins on blog.perthmint.com.au or follow The Perth Mint on Twitter @perthmint.
